Spinal stimulation may help stabilize blood pressure in paralyzed veterans

NCT ID NCT05180227

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether applying mild electrical stimulation to the skin over the spinal cord could help regulate blood pressure in veterans with spinal cord injury who have chronically low blood pressure. Ten participants with injuries at or above T6 received stimulation at different spots on their back to see which placement best raised their seated systolic blood pressure to a healthy range. The goal was to find a non-invasive way to reduce heart disease risk in this population.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (a device that delivers electrical pulses through the skin)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive way to help people with spinal cord injury maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk.

What could go wrong

This was a very small, early study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The best electrode placement and stimulation settings are still not fully known.

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.

cardiovascular disorder Hypotension, Orthostatic spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY

    The Bronx, New York, 10468-3904, United States