Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years - 80Years
All Genders
NCT04894734

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

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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

Age: 18Years - 80Years
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

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
Not Eligible

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

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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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Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) | DecenTrialz