Could a spinal implant ease pain and boost recovery after paralysis?
NCT ID NCT04894734
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether an implanted spinal cord stimulator can reduce chronic pain and improve rehabilitation outcomes in people with thoracic spinal cord injury. Twenty-five participants will either have the device turned on or off for three months, while both groups continue standard care like medication and physical therapy. After that, the placebo group can also receive stimulation. The goal is to see if the device is feasible and helpful for pain, movement, 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
- spinal cord stimulator (implanted device)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to reduce chronic pain and improve movement, bowel/bladder function, and quality of life after spinal cord injury.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early feasibility study with only 25 people. It is not designed to prove effectiveness, and results may not apply to everyone. Surgery to implant the device carries risks like infection or device failure.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Duke University Health Systems
Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States