NIBS Therapy in Subacute Spinal Cord Injury

Launched by ALBERT EINSTEIN HEALTHCARE NETWORK · Jan 31, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to help people who have experienced a spinal cord injury and have trouble using their arms and hands. The goal is to see if this therapy can improve motor function—that is, the ability to move—after such injuries. Currently, there are no effective treatments available for repairing the damaged pathways in the spinal cord that control movement. This study will help determine how safe the treatment is and if it works well enough to warrant further research.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be between 18 and 80 years old and have suffered a cervical spinal cord injury (in the neck area) less than six weeks ago, leaving them with some paralysis in their upper limbs. Certain health conditions, like being on a ventilator or having other serious neurological issues, may prevent someone from joining the study. Participants can expect to receive daily TMS therapy while staying at a rehabilitation facility, and they will be closely monitored for their safety and progress throughout the trial. This research is crucial as it could lead to better treatment options for those affected by spinal cord injuries in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Post traumatic or non-traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) with residual upper-extremity paralysis
• • 2. Time post-injury less than six weeks
• • 3. Neurological Level of Injury (NLI) C4-C6
• • 4. ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A-D
• • 5. Sensory and motor zone of partial preservation (ZPP, clinically complete or incomplete)
• • 6. Age 18 to 80 years old
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Ventilator dependence;
• • 2. Concurrent neurological condition affecting sensory or motor pathways or otherwise limiting ability to participate in the study;
• • 3. Evidence of trauma-related brain injury;
• • 4. Contraindications for TMS or history of seizure or seizure risk;
• • 5. Spinal instability;
• • 6. Uncontrolled autonomic dysreflexia;
• • 7. Severe muscular or skeletal or neuropathic pain;
• • 8. Known or suspected pregnancy;
• • 9. Medically unstable or any reason the physician may deem as inappropriate for the participant to enroll or continue in the study.