Non-invasive Therapy to Drive Nerve Regeneration

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA · Apr 28, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new non-invasive treatment aimed at helping patients with peripheral nerve injuries, specifically those suffering from severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The researchers believe that a method called acute intermittent hypoxia, which involves breathing alternating air with normal oxygen levels and air with lower oxygen levels, could enhance nerve repair. This approach is promising because it could potentially improve nerve function and reduce symptoms like numbness, pain, and weakness in the hands without requiring surgery.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be experiencing sensory impairments such as numbness and pain, have symptoms that wake them at night, show weakness in hand muscles, and have difficulty with hand movements. However, individuals with chronic lung or heart diseases, other nerve disorders, or certain systemic illnesses like diabetes may not qualify. Participants in the trial can expect to undergo this new breathing therapy and help researchers understand its effects on nerve repair, which could lead to better treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • i) sensory impairments including numbness and pain; ii) nocturnal awakening by these symptoms; iii) weakness and wasting of the thenar musculature and, iv) loss of hand dexterity. v) Motor unit loss greater than 2 SD below the mean for the age group
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • i) Chronic lung or cardiac disease ii) Other nerve disorders, previous carpal tunnel release or systemic illness including diabetes