Safety and Feasibility of Paired Vagus Nerve Stimulation With Rehabilitation for Improving Upper Extremity Function in People With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Ki vehet részt

• a diagnosis of traumatic incomplete (AIS B-D) cervical spinal cord injury (C8 and above)
• at least 12 months post-traumatic SCI
• demonstrate some residual movement in the upper limb (e.g., able to perform pinch movement with thumb and index finger)
• meet all clinical criteria for the surgical VNS implantation as determined by the PI, neurosurgeon, and anesthesiologist

Ki nem vehet részt

• participants with prior left-sided anterior cervical surgery who exhibit too much of scar tissue at the surgery site which will be determined by neurosurgeon
• concomitant clinically significant brain injury
• history of prior injury to a vagus nerve
• receiving medication that may significantly interfere with the actions of VNS on neurotransmitter systems at study entry
• other comorbidities or complications that will hinder or contraindicate surgical procedure
• non-traumatic SCI, injury
• presence of ongoing dysphasia or aspiration difficulties
• evidence of vagus pre-existing vocal cord paralysis as determined with laryngoscopy procedure
• medical or mental instability
• pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during the study period