Palo Alto, CANCT06541041Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Clinical Trial in Palo Alto, CA

Access cutting-edge cervical spinal cord injury treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Palo Alto. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Stanford University

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Expert Care in Palo Alto

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IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related cervical spinal cord injury treatment provided free

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Palo Alto

    Convenient for CA residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Palo Alto site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Study in Palo Alto

The goal of this prospective observational study is to determine whether brief intraoperative electrical stimulation and temporary postoperative electrical stimulation improve motor and/or pain outcomes for patients with cervical spinal cord injury undergoing standard of care nerve transfer surgery to improve hand function. The main hypotheses include: Hypothesis #1: Brief intraoperative electrical stimulation of the donor nerves will result in improved motor outcomes (hand function) compared to standard nerve transfer surgery in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. Hypothesis #2: Placement of a temporary peripheral nerve stimulator for 60 days of postoperative electrical stimulation will result in improved pain outcomes compared to standard nerve transfer surgery in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. Researchers will prospectively enroll patients with cervical spinal cord injury and no hand function who will undergo standard of care nerve transfer surgery combined with standard of care brief intraoperative electrical stimulation and temporary postoperative electrical stimulation. Motor and pain outcomes will be compared to a retrospective group of patients who underwent nerve transfer surgery without intraoperative or postoperative electrical stimulation. Participants will receive standard medical care (nothing experimental) as part of this study. Participants will: * Have a preoperative assessment including physical examination, electrodiagnostic studies, functional electrical stimulation, and will complete questionnaires assessing function and quality of life * Agree upon a surgical plan, including the specific nerve transfers to be performed and whether to include brief intraoperative electrical stimulation and/or temporary postoperative electrical stimulation before being considered for enrollment in the study * Will undergo standard of care nerve transfer surgery, with at least one nerve transfer targeting improvement in hand function and will receive brief intraoperative electrical stimulation of the donor nerves and placement of a temporary peripheral nerve stimulator * Will follow-up with the surgeon 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after the surgery * Will have a physical examination and will complete questionnaires at the postoperative visits * Will participate in hand therapy following the operation * Will be eligible for placement of a permanent peripheral nerve stimulator, depending on response to the temporary peripheral nerve stimulator.

Sponsor: Stanford University

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Cervical spinal cord injury, ASIA A or ASIA B
International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury neurological level of injury C6 or C7
Agreed upon surgical plan includes at least 1 nerve transfer targeting finger flexion with the anterior interosseous nerve as the recipient and at least 1 nerve transfer targeting finger extension with the posterior interosseous nerve as the recipient
Age 18-65 years
Mentally and physically able to comply with evaluations and assessments
Upper motor neuron pattern of injury in the recipient nerve with planned surgery 36 months or less from the time of injury OR lower motor neuron pattern of injury in the recipient nerve with planned surgery 9 months or less from the time of injury
Muscle grade at least 4+/5 on the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale in the territory of the donor nerve(s)
Stable function for at least 3 months (i.e., no ongoing recovery)
Non-operative rehabilitation for at least 3 months
Able to read and write in English at a level necessary to complete the questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria

Contraindication to electrical stimulation, including any implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker or intrathecal drug delivery pump
Active infection at the operative site or systemic infection
Active malignancy
Joint contractures or limited passive range of motion that would limit recovery of function
Lack of appropriate social support and/or infrastructure to commit to scheduled follow-up visits
Previous tendon transfer or other surgery for restoration of function following cervical spinal cord injury
Planned tendon transfer surgery or other surgery for restoration of function following cervical spinal cord injury

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Palo Alto?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT06541041) has an active research site in Palo Alto, CA that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Options in Palo Alto, CA

If you're searching for cervical spinal cord injury treatment options in Palo Alto, CA, this clinical trial (NCT06541041) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Palo Alto research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced cervical spinal cord injury specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all cervical spinal cord injury clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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