Spinal stimulation plus drug may restore arm function in paralysis

NCT ID NCT02313194

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early study tests whether combining a spinal cord stimulator with the drug buspirone can improve arm and hand movement in people with cervical spinal cord injury. Twelve participants will receive both the device and the drug, and their motor function will be formally assessed. The goal is to see if this combination can help restore some upper limb function.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: buspirone
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to improve arm and hand function in people with spinal cord injury, potentially increasing independence.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 12 participants, so results may not apply widely. The combination approach is experimental and may not produce meaningful improvement.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CERVICAL SPINAL CORD INJURY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

quadriplegia spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CERVICAL SPINAL CORD INJURY TETRAPARESIS TETRAPLEGIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

UCLA

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.