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

NCT ID NCT04379011

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Minnesota Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Swedish Hospital

Englewood, Colorado, 80113, United States
University of Minnesota School of Medicine

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

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