Generating Artificial Sensory Perceptions Using Spinal Cord Stimulation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can create different sensations and how these sensations change when stimulation settings are adjusted. The study focuses on people undergoing SCS implantation to manage chronic pain. This research aims to better understand sensory perceptions produced by spinal stimulation to improve future treatments. Participants will have SCS trial leads implanted as part of their usual care for chronic pain. Before these leads are removed, they will visit the clinic where the clinical stimulator will be disconnected and replaced with a research stimulator. While seated, participants will use a touchscreen to perform tasks involving choosing between two options as spinal stimulation is delivered. Audio and video recordings will be made during these sessions, and epidural signals will be collected through the leads. During the study, researchers will measure the minimum stimulation needed to evoke sensory perceptions and the change in stimulation required to notice differences in these sensations. This monitoring occurs from the time the leads are implanted until one week after they are removed. Participants will be closely observed throughout the process, with the study lasting from implantation to lead explantation and assessment within that one-week period.

Sensory Spinal Cord Stimulation