TSCS for Acute SCI

This site-specific project will focus on a novel non-pharmacologic approach to stabilizing blood pressure (BP) during acute inpatient rehabilitation after acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Current forms of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for hypotension and orthostatic hypotension remain inadequate in the SCI population. A critical need exists for the identification of safe, practical and effective treatment options that stabilize BP after traumatic SCI as low BP limits the ability of individuals from fully participating in acute rehabilitation therapies. Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSCS) has several advantages including being able to be activated/deactivated rapidly and the ability to be used during inpatient therapy for rehabilitation following SCI. The study team is asking the key question: "What is the safety and feasibility of applying TSCS in acute SCI to prevent the development of BP instability?" To facilitate adoption of TSCS for widespread clinical use, the study team has designed a mapping and parameter configuration protocol to develop a standard, easy to follow algorithm that will maximize individual benefits of spinal neuromodulation, while minimizing the burden on healthcare professionals. This project will provide the foundational evidence to support the feasible and safe application of TSCS in the newly injured SCI population, thereby overcoming one of the major barriers (i.e., low BP) that prevents full participation in acute SCI rehabilitation.

Inclusion criteria

• All newly injured patients with SCI who are sequentially admitted during the 42-month recruitment period
• Meet the following Model Systems entry criteria with evidence of BP instability
• Exhibit one or more of the following: Resting hypotension - systolic BP ≤ 110 mmHg for males or ≤ 100 mmHg for females; OH - fall in systolic BP ≥ 20 mmHg and/or a fall in diastolic BP ≥ 10 mmHg within 10 minutes of assuming an upright position; BP instability - fluctuation in systolic BP ≥ 20 mmHg and/or fluctuation in diastolic BP ≥ 10 mmHg within a single day during routine activities in the AIR setting.
• Have trouble with your blood pressure as determined by your doctor.
• Participants must be between the ages of 18-89 years old, experienced a spinal cord injury (SCI) within the past 30 days to 6 months, have sustained a SCI with temporary or permanent loss of sensory and/or motor function, and are an inpatient for acute SCI rehabilitation therapy at Mount Sinai.
• You are not dependent on a ventilator at this time.
• You do not have a history of implanted pacemaker/defibrillator or significant coronary artery disease.

Exclusion criteria

• Implanted brain/spine/nerve stimulators, cochlear implants, cardiac pacemaker/defibrillator, or intracardiac lines
• Open skin lesions on or near the electrode placement sites (neck, upper back)
• Significant coronary artery or cardiac conduction disease
• Recent history of myocardial infarction
• Insufficient mental capacity to understand and independently provide consent
• Pregnancy
• Cancer
• Deemed unsuitable by study physician

As part of the feasibility assessment, the study team will document demographic and injury characteristics of eligible patients who refuse enrollment, as well as reasons for ineligibility among those who do not meet entrance criteria.