Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury for Improvement of Gait

About this trial

This trial is enrolling individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injuries to test the effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to improve walking. The stimulation will target an area of the brain that coordinates muscle patterns for limb movements that are then activated in the spinal cord. Previous studies showed that electrical stimulation of this area (called the mesencephalic locomotor; MLR) induces locomotion. If selected, participants will undergo surgery to place the DBS electrode in the MLR. If electrode placement is successful, it will be connected to a device that will generate electrical pulses (Medtronic Activa SC Impulse Generator). If placement is unsuccessful, the electrode will be removed. Participants with the complete implanted DBS system (electrode plus impulse generator) will be discharged from the hospital 14 days after surgery. Post-surgery rehabilitation will be include training with a FLOAT device (Free Levitation for Overground Active Training). Walking function will be assessed on day 14 after surgery and again at months 1, 3, 6 and 12.