Non-Invasive Spinal Cord Stimulation Shows Promise for Tetraplegia Patients

A small clinical trial published in Nature Medicine showed that non-invasive spinal cord stimulation using well-placed electrodes on the back of the neck can lead to modest yet significant improvements in hand and arm function for patients with tetraplegia. The therapy, which requires no surgery, was found to be accessible, affordable, and associated with no serious adverse events. The study's researchers, while uncertain of the exact mechanism, believe that the stimulation may be promoting neuroplasticity and potentially healing part of the spinal cord injury. The trial, conducted at 14 clinical sites, demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in strength and functional performance for 72 percent of the participants, suggesting that the observed effects were not simply due to a placebo. The trial's design, while not a gold standard randomized, double-blind placebo control trial, was influenced by ethical and practical considerations.