Actively Recruiting
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Led by Nandan Lad, M.D., Ph.D. · Updated on 2026-03-19
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
304 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of this feasibility study is to compare the impact of Spinal cord stimulation \[SCS\] for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) pain and rehabilitation. SCS, also known as Epidural Electrical Stimulation (EES), will be utilized along with conventional medical management (CMM) or CMM alone. Participation in this research study is expected to last approximately 24 months. All subjects will be evaluated and proceed with implantation of two SCS devices- one tailored based on the individual's SCI for the treatment of neuropathic pain of trunk and limb and a second near the bottom of the spinal cord (conus region) to study the impact on motor, sensory, bowel/bladder outcomes. All patients will also continue receiving CMM, such as medications and physical therapy. Participating subjects will be allocated to one of two treatment groups: 1. Placebo arm: SCS OFF + CMM. Under the direction of the study physician, the patient may receive a variety of treatments, such as medications and various forms of rehabilitation. 2. Treatment arm: SCS ON + CMM. The study treatment Spinal Cord Stimulation \[SCS\]: the study physician will perform a trial procedure to see if the study procedure works for the patient and may implant a permanent device if it is successful. There is a temporary trial procedure, or a "test drive," which usually lasts 5-7 days. If this is successful, patients will discuss a more permanent implant. This study involves the concurrent placement of two SCS devices (one focused on pain and the second for rehabilitation). For three months, treatment group subjects will have the SCS turned on and will have rehabilitation as part of their CMM. Participants in the placebo arm will have their SCS remain off and will undergo CMM with rehabilitation therapy similar to the treatment group. Neither the subjects nor the treatment team will know which patients are in the treatment or placebo arm. At the end of three months, the study group will be revealed and the placebo group subjects will be allowed to crossover and have their SCS turned on. Rehabilitation visits may be remote and the study duration is approximately 24 months. There may be additional blood tests and clinical exams to collect data on the effectiveness of the therapy. Data at follow-up visits will be compared to the subjects' baseline data and that of the control group at the respective visits.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Traumatic thoracic spinal cord injury
- Chronic neuropathic pain greater than 3 out of 10 for more than 3 months
- Able and willing to provide informed consent, attend study visits, and complete assessments
- Age between 18 and 80 years
- Medically stable for surgical implantation and rehabilitation
You will not qualify if you...
- Complete spinal cord transection
- Ongoing spinal instability or injuries preventing participation
- Active infection
- Psychotic disorders
- Untreated significant depression
- Active drug or alcohol abuse
- Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study; women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test
- Lack of neuropathic pain symptoms greater than 3 out of 10 for over 3 months
- Medically unstable for surgery
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Duke University Health Systems
Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27710
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Allison Spell
CONTACT
B
Beth Perry, RN
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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