Spinal Cord Stimulation for Spastic Paraplegia

This trial tests whether transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), a noninvasive treatment, can benefit individuals with hereditary spastic paraplegia, a condition causing muscle stiffness and walking difficulties. Participants will undergo this treatment twice a week for eight weeks using sticky pads placed on their lower back, avoiding any surgery. Researchers aim to determine if the treatment improves walking and reduces muscle stiffness, monitoring these changes for an additional eight weeks after the sessions conclude. Individuals with hereditary spastic paraplegia, stable on their medications for at least four weeks, and capable of walking or performing mobility tasks with or without assistive devices might be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore a promising treatment option that could enhance mobility and quality of life.

The trial requires that your medications for spasticity and other neurological symptoms be stable for at least 4 weeks before joining. You should not expect to start or change these treatments during the study.

Research has shown that transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is generally safe and well-tolerated. In studies involving individuals with spinal cord injuries, participants found the treatment manageable and safe. These studies reported no serious side effects.

Participants did not encounter major problems or complications during or after the treatment. Some individuals might experience mild discomfort at the electrode sites, but this is typically not a significant concern.

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is unique because it offers a non-invasive way to manage spastic paraplegia, unlike current treatments that often involve oral medications or invasive procedures. This method stimulates the spinal cord externally, potentially reducing muscle stiffness and improving mobility without the need for surgery. Researchers are excited about tSCS because it targets the spinal cord directly, which could lead to faster and more precise relief of symptoms compared to traditional systemic drug therapies.

Research has shown that transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) might help individuals with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) walk better and feel less stiff. In this trial, participants with HSP will undergo 16 tSCS sessions over 8 weeks. Studies have found that tSCS can enhance leg movement and increase walking speed. Participants in earlier studies reported reduced muscle stiffness, with some experiencing up to a 100% improvement. tSCS has also helped with spasticity, a common symptom of HSP. Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, these findings suggest that tSCS could be promising for those with HSP symptoms.¹⁶⁷⁸⁹