Neural Stimulation for Stroke

This trial aims to better understand how the nervous system changes after a stroke by testing how neck nerves respond to electrical stimulation. It focuses on individuals who have experienced a stroke and suffer from one-sided weakness. Participants will undergo spinal surgery where a Bipolar Neural Stimulation Electrode stimulates neck nerves to study their motor responses. The trial seeks individuals undergoing specific types of neck surgery who had a stroke more than six months ago and still experience weakness. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to new insights and treatments for stroke recovery.

If you are taking anti-spasticity or anti-epileptic medications, you will need to stop them to participate in this trial.

Research has shown that treatments using electrical stimulation, such as the Bipolar Neural Stimulation Electrode, are generally safe. For instance, studies on spinal cord stimulation, which uses similar technology, found that patients usually tolerate it well. Side effects are rare and typically minor, such as temporary discomfort.

Unlike the standard stroke treatments, which typically focus on medication and rehabilitation therapies, the Bipolar Neural Stimulation Electrode uses electrical stimulation to directly target the cervical dorsal spinal nerve roots. This innovative approach aims to enhance neural recovery by activating specific nerve pathways, something current options don't directly address. Researchers are excited because this method could potentially speed up recovery times and improve outcomes by directly influencing the nervous system's response to a stroke.

Research shows that electrical stimulation methods, such as the Bipolar Neural Stimulation Electrode, may aid stroke recovery. In this trial, participants will receive direct electrical stimulation to the cervical dorsal spinal nerve roots. A review of studies has found that electrical stimulation improves recovery in stroke patients. Another study found that spinal cord stimulation helped improve movement in people with neurological issues. Additionally, evidence suggests that stimulating peripheral nerves can reduce pain and support physical recovery. These findings indicate that neural stimulation might aid stroke recovery by improving movement and reducing symptoms.⁴⁶⁷⁸⁹