Deep Brain Stimulation of the Lateral Hypothalamus to Augment Motor Function of Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Technology

Standing/walking/mobility

Online since 13 July 2022, updated 950 days ago

About this trial

This is small trial enrolling 3 participants with chronic incomplete spinal cord injuries to test the effect of stimulating deeper parts of the brain through surgically implanted electrodes (deep brain stimulation - DBS). Researchers want to see if DBS improves leg motor function; they speculate that DBS combined with direct (epidural) stimulation of the lumbar spinal cord might improve recovery. If included, participants will undergo surgery for implantation of the electrodes into deeper parts of the brain. DBS training sessions will be performed 3 times per week for 3 months. The total duration of the study will be 7-8 months.

Included participants

Gender

All

Age

18 - 65 years

Injury level

C1 - S5

Severity (AIS)?

AIS-C

AIS-D

Time since injury

12 months - 65 years

Injury type

Traumatic

Healthy volunteers

C1-S5

Additionally, participants must

NOT have epilepsy.

NOT have an active implanted cardiac device.

What’s involved

Type

Technology

Details

- Participants will undergo surgery for implantation of the electrodes into deeper parts of the brain (lateral hypothalamus). - DBS training sessions will be performed 3 times per week for 3 months. - The total duration of the study will be 7-8 months.

Potential benefits

Main benefits

Standing/walking/mobility

Additional benefits

General health

Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.

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