Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation on Blood Pressure, Immune, and Cardiovascular Function in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how the body controls changes in blood pressure and how spinal cord stimulation affects these changes along with immune and cardiovascular functions in people with spinal cord injury. The study includes individuals with spinal cord injuries at neurological levels C6 to T8 and uninjured control participants to understand a range of autonomic dysfunctions after injury. Participants will be grouped into controls without spinal cord injury, those with spinal cord injury receiving transcutaneous stimulation, and those with spinal cord injury receiving epidural stimulation. Diagnostic tests include sympathetic inhibition using phenylephrine infusion, cold pressor tests on the hand and foot, Valsalva maneuver, and bladder pressor response. Those with implanted epidural stimulators will use them during testing, while others will receive transcutaneous stimulation. During the study, participants will undergo laboratory diagnostic testing sessions measuring blood pressure, heart rate, skin response, respiration, blood flow, and blood tests for immune markers and stress hormones. Researchers will analyze responses to various tests to assess autonomic nervous system function. The total study participation will occur over multiple sessions, with safety and compliance monitored throughout the process.

Acute and Chronic Repercussion of Spinal Cord Stimulation After Spinal Cord Injury