Brain-controlled Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

About this trial

This is a clinical trial enrolling individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries to test combining an implanted device to record brain signal activity (intention to move) and spinal cord stimulation. Spinal cord stimulation is a technique for activating nerve networks to increase spinal cord function. Brain signals for intention to move are recorded on an implanted device (electrocorticogram) directly from the surface of the brain. The brain signals are decoded by computer and then sent to stimulation electrodes implanted on the spinal cord; this will enable voluntary muscle activity (such as leg movement), as intended. The goal is to provide direct communication between a person’s intention to move and the spinal cord. If included in the trial, participants will undergo a surgery to implant the device to measure brain activity, and another surgery to implant a stimulating device on the spinal cord. Additionally, a neurorehabilitation program will be performed. Testing will assess safety, function, and measures of gait performance over the period of 1 year.