Could a seizure drug ease unbearable nerve pain in spinal cord injury?

NCT ID NCT04379011

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether brivaracetam, a drug used for seizures, can reduce severe nerve pain in people with chronic spinal cord injury. 24 participants received either brivaracetam or a placebo for 3 months. The study aimed to see if a larger trial is possible and measured pain levels and quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Brivaracetam (Briviact)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for severe nerve pain after spinal cord injury that hasn't responded to other drugs.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study (24 people) focused on feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. The results may not apply to everyone, and side effects or lack of pain relief are possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Swedish Hospital

    Englewood, Colorado, 80113, United States

  • University of Minnesota School of Medicine

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States