The NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research initiatives related to spinal cord injury (SCI). Select a link below to learn more about these projects.
Featured NICHD Clinical Trials
BrainGate2: Feasibility Study of an Intracortical Neural Interface System for Persons with Tetraplegia
A clinical trial is being conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston to assess the efficacy of a microelectrode-array implant in a tetraplegic's brain motor cortex that is used to translate thought into physical action—without the mediation of the spinal cord. Currently, the system consists of a sensor (the electrode implant that records brain signals directly related to imagined limb movement); a decoder (a set of computers and associated software that converts the cortex signals into a useful command for an external device); and the external device—anything from a desktop computer to a robotic limb. The project is staffed by a team of physicians, scientists, and engineers.
Chronic Pain and Brain Activity in Spinal Cord Injury
This study, being conducted at the University of Washington at Seattle, compares five different procedures to see how they affect pain and brain activity. The procedures include neurofeedback, self-hypnosis training, meditation, and two different levels of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
NICHD Clinical Trials
ClinicalTrials.gov Search Results
Information on current NIH-sponsored clinical trials can be obtained from the link shown below or by calling 800-411-1222.