Could a nerve implant boost hand recovery after spinal injury?
NCT ID NCT05601661
First seen Oct 31, 2025 · Last updated Jun 22, 2026 · Updated 32 times
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether pairing vagus nerve stimulation with rehabilitation is safe and feasible for people with cervical spinal cord injury. Six participants received an implanted nerve stimulator and underwent rehab sessions. The study focused on safety and whether people could complete the program, with early looks at hand and arm function.
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Vagus nerve stimulation device (Vivistim System)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a way to improve hand and arm function in people with spinal cord injury.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 6 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device requires surgery, which carries risks like infection or voice changes.
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.