Spinal cord injury disrupts communication between the brain and body, causing paralysis and loss of sensation below the injury site. About 17,000 new cases occur in the U.S. each year. Current care focuses on preventing complications and maximizing function through rehabilitation, but no treatment can restore lost nerve connections.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing stem cells to replace damaged tissue, electrical stimulation to reawaken dormant circuits, drugs that promote nerve regrowth, and combinations of these approaches. Some people with incomplete injuries can now walk with intensive stimulation therapy. Research also targets bladder control, sexual function, and chronic pain after injury.
Electrical stimulation
Implanted devices can stimulate the spinal cord below the injury, allowing some people to stand, step, or regain bladder control. Multiple trials are testing how timing, intensity, and targeted rehabilitation affect outcomes.
Stem cell approaches
Several stem cell types are being tested to bridge the injury gap and support remaining nerve cells. Early trials focus on safety and finding the optimal cell type, dose, and timing after injury.
Nerve regeneration drugs
Drugs that block growth-inhibiting signals or boost natural repair mechanisms aim to help nerves reconnect across the injury. Some combine medication with physical therapy to strengthen new connections.
What to know before you search
Eligibility usually depends on injury level (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar), completeness of injury, time since injury, and ability to participate in intensive rehabilitation.
What types of trials are currently open
- Stem cell trials — Testing whether stem cells injected at or near the injury site can repair damage or support surviving nerves. Usually involves careful monitoring with MRI and neurological exams.
- Stimulation trials — Testing implanted or external devices that deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord during rehabilitation. Often require intensive physical therapy sessions.
- Drug trials — Testing medications that promote nerve growth, reduce scar formation, or protect remaining tissue. May start within hours of injury or years later.
- Combination trials — Testing whether combining approaches—such as stem cells plus rehabilitation, or stimulation plus a growth-promoting drug—works better than single treatments.
- Rehabilitation trials — Testing new physical therapy techniques, exoskeletons, or training regimens to maximize recovery of movement, balance, and independence.
Recently added Spinal Cord Injuries trials
Pilot Study of Galantamine to Treat Metabolic Syndrome in People With Chronic Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
The purpose of this research study is to measure the tolerability and preliminary efficacy of a drug, galantamine, to treat metabolic syndrome (MetS) by reducing circulating inflammation in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Galantamine is FDA-approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Here, the drug is considered experimental for the purposes of this study.
PMCF Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of METROSAN Spinal Systems and BONEGRAFT Filling Materials
This is a prospective, multi-center, observational Post-Market Clinical Follow-Up (PMCF) study designed to collect additional safety and clinical performance data on CE-marked Titania® spinal instrumentation and fusion systems, and Bonegraft® bone filling materials (synthetic bone grafts and bone cements). The study aims to evaluate short-term (12-month) safety and effectiveness, identify previously unknown side effects, monitor defined complications, and assess risks based on real-world evidence in patients undergoing spinal surgery. All investigated products are used within their intended purpose under routine clinical practice.
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