Electrical stimulation to aid shoulder nerve recovery after neck cancer surgery
Tests electrical stimulation after neck surgery in people with head and neck cancer.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Assessing Spinal Accessory Nerve Recovery After Post-operative Electrical Stimulation
Key facts
- Where
- Hamilton, CanadaSee the site
Where in Canada
- St. Joseph's HealthcareHamilton, CanadaNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- McMaster University
- Trial code
- NCT07074392
- Record updated
- 19 August 2025
- Original description
Shoulder weakness and pain are common after neck dissection surgery for head and neck cancer. This is often caused by injury to the spinal accessory nerve, which controls important shoulder muscles. Recovery can be slow and incomplete, affecting patients' ability to return to daily activities. This project will test whether a brief, low-dose electrical stimulation treatment can help the nerve heal faster and improve shoulder function. The treatment is applied during surgery and is safe, non-invasive, and quick to deliver. If successful, this approach could lead to better rehabilitation, less disability, and improved quality of life for patients undergoing cancer surgery. The project also supports the development of new medical technology and offers a pathway to expand the use of electrical stimulation in other nerve injuries.Read full original descriptionShow less
Assessing the Feasibility and Effect of Post-operative Electrical Stimulation on Spinal Accessory Nerve Recovery After Neck Dissection for Head and Neck Cancer
Shoulder weakness and pain are common after neck dissection surgery for head and neck cancer. This is often caused by injury to the spinal accessory nerve, which controls important shoulder muscles. Recovery can be slow and incomplete, affecting patients' ability to return to daily activities. This project will test whether a brief, low-dose electrical stimulation treatment can help the nerve heal faster and improve shoulder function. The treatment is applied during surgery and is safe, non-invasive, and quick to deliver. If successful, this approach could lead to better rehabilitation, less disability, and improved quality of life for patients undergoing cancer surgery. The project also supports the development of new medical technology and offers a pathway to expand the use of electrical stimulation in other nerve injuries.
Inclusion: Undergoing neck dissection.
Exclusion: Previous neck dissection, previous implantable stimulator (i.e. pacemaker), previous spinal accessory nerve injury, pre-existing shoulder injury or weakness.