Receive a nerve-freezing procedure to reduce muscle stiffness from stroke

Back to Spasticity as Sequela of Stroke trials

What is this trial?

This trial is testing cryoneurolysis, a procedure that uses extreme cold applied to specific nerves under ultrasound guidance to reduce spasticity—the involuntary muscle tightness that often occurs after stroke. The procedure targets the nerves that control the stiff muscles, freezing them to prevent them from sending signals that cause the unwanted tightness. Researchers want to understand how well this treatment works over the long term and how it helps the nervous system recover.

Current treatments for muscle stiffness after stroke are either expensive and short-lasting (like botulinum toxin injections) or affect the whole body with side effects. This trial explores whether cryoneurolysis could be a better option—one that lasts longer, targets specific problem muscles, and allows nerves to naturally regrow.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have spasticity (involuntary muscle tightness) as a result of stroke
a diagnostic nerve block test showed that reducing nerve activity helps your muscle tightness or improves your movement
a diagnostic nerve block did not cause any unwanted loss of function or weakness
your affected arm still has at least small flickering movements
you have not received botulinum toxin injections for spasticity in the past 3 months

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a history of seizures or are pregnant, as these are contraindications for required brain imaging tests
you have certain metallic implants that would prevent safe MRI scanning
you have severe cognitive impairment that prevents you from understanding and following study instructions
you are currently receiving or planning to receive botulinum toxin injections during the study period
you have previously had other nerve-targeting procedures like phenol injections on the same nerve being treated

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you will receive a cryoneurolysis procedure where doctors use ultrasound to guide extreme cold directly to the nerves causing your muscle tightness. The procedure aims to freeze the nerve so it stops sending signals that cause involuntary muscle contraction, while allowing the nerve to regrow naturally over time. You will be followed up over time to see how long the effects last and how your nervous system recovers, with assessments likely including movement tests and possibly brain imaging.

Freezing Nerves to Reduce Muscle Stiffness After Stroke

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)