Electrical Stimulation to Enhance Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA · Mar 25, 2015

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

**Trial Summary: Electrical Stimulation to Enhance Peripheral Nerve Regeneration**

This clinical trial is studying the effects of electrical stimulation on healing damaged nerves in the arm, particularly those injuries that affect the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that helps control arm and hand movement. The main goal is to see if using electrical stimulation after surgery can improve hand function and help the injured nerves recover better. Researchers will measure how well patients can move their hands, feel pressure, and perform tasks before and after treatment. They will also use questionnaires to learn how patients feel about their symptoms.

To participate in this study, individuals must be between the ages of 65 and 74 and have suffered a severe nerve injury that has caused complete loss of nerve function. Patients with other nervous system conditions or those who cannot understand the study will not be eligible. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive electrical stimulation or to a control group without this treatment. Everyone will be followed closely for two years to track their progress, with assessments every three months for the first year and then every six months in the second year. This research could lead to new, effective treatment options for individuals with serious nerve injuries.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with severe injury to the brachial plexus causing complete denervation.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • The presence of other neurologic conditions.
• • Cognitive compromise that renders the patients unable to understand and consent to the study.
• • Minors younger than the age of 18.