Treatment for muscle tightness after stroke, spinal cord injury, or cerebral palsy

A Randomized, Sham Controlled Trial of Dorsal Root Rhizotomy Stereotactic Radiosurgery Versus Standard of Care for Spasticity Associated With Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury & Cerebral Palsy

Not applicable Interventional Ohio State University · NCT06070233

This study is testing a new treatment using targeted radiation to see if it can help reduce muscle tightness in people who have had a stroke, spinal cord injury, or have cerebral palsy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment22 (estimated)
Ages16 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations2 sites (Winter Park, Florida and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06070233 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests a treatment called stereotactic radiosurgery dorsal rhizotomy, which uses precise radiation beams to target specific nerves in the back to alleviate muscle tightness or spasticity. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the actual treatment or a sham treatment that does not have therapeutic effects. Researchers will monitor the participants' muscle stiffness and any side effects following the treatment. The goal is to determine the effectiveness of this innovative approach in reducing spasticity in patients who have not responded to traditional medical management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 16 years old with chronic spasticity that has not responded to medical management.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to lie flat for treatment or those with confirmed pregnancy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve muscle function and quality of life for patients suffering from spasticity.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using targeted nerve treatments have shown promise in managing spasticity.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Chronic spasticity refractory to medical management or in a patient who cannot receive appropriate medical management mediated by one or more spinal nerve roots
* Age \> 16 (if under 18, patients parents must sign consent).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to lie supine for simulation \& treatment
* Inability to visualize the target nerve on either CT or MRI imaging
* Patients with confirmed pregnancy (all women of child-bearing age with intact uterus \& ovaries will be required to undergo a pregnancy test prior to simulation)

Where this trial is running

Winter Park, Florida and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Spasticity as Sequela of StrokeSpastic Cerebral PalsySpasticity, Muscle
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.