Brain Stimulation Clinical Trials for Spinal Cord Injury
SCI.help tracks 69 spinal cord injury clinical trials studying brain stimulation, and 38 are open to new participants. Each links to its full ClinicalTrials.gov record. Last refreshed 2026-09-12.
Open these in the Trials Finder → Add a target (walking, bladder, pain…), a state, or a status filter.
Other treatment categories
- Rehabilitation (568)
- Devices (359)
- Observational (319)
- Drugs (283)
- Electrical Stimulation (213)
- Transcutaneous Stimulation (148)
- Exoskeleton (129)
- Surgical Procedure (103)
- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) (89)
- Epidural Stimulation (81)
- Nutrition (79)
- Brain Stimulation (69)
- Safety (67)
- Stem Cells (52)
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) (44)
- Intermittent Hypoxia (38)
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) (32)
- Brain Machine Interface (BMI) (30)
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) (13)
Browse by state
- New York (161)
- Florida (139)
- Texas (119)
- California (116)
- Illinois (105)
- Pennsylvania (92)
- New Jersey (91)
- Ohio (83)
- Georgia (59)
- Massachusetts (59)
- Minnesota (55)
- Colorado (49)
- Michigan (48)
- Maryland (48)
- Washington (46)
- Kentucky (43)
- Virginia (41)
- Missouri (41)
- North Carolina (32)
- Alabama (32)
Open and recruiting (38)
These trials are recruiting, about to recruit, or enrolling by invitation. Status comes straight from ClinicalTrials.gov and can change without notice.
- Not yet recruitingNCT06944834
A Study on the Safety and Functionality of the Implantable Wireless Brain-Computer Interfaces for Motor Rehabilitation
The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive, wireless brain-machine interface system (WRS) in patients with paralysis (resulting from spinal cord injuries, brainstem strokes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or other motor neuron diseases causing complete…
China - RecruitingNCT06533969
Assessment of Neural Signals for the Control of Assistive Devices
The study will investigate the use of motor intention-based cortical signals to trigger epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) with individuals with SCI.
2 US sites · Florida - RecruitingNCT06939660
BCI-Assisted SCS-EXS for Gait Optimization
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and technical feasibility of a novel brain-machine interface (BCI)-assisted spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and exoskeleton (EXS) system in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
China - RecruitingNCT05665998
Brain Controlled Spinal Cord Stimulation in Participants With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury for Upper Limb Rehabilitation
Cervical spinal cord stimulation can elicit arm and hand movements through recruitment of proprioceptive neurons in the dorsal roots. In participants with cervical spinal cord injury, the spare roots bellow the lesion can be used to reactivate motor function.
Switzerland - RecruitingNCT06406855
Brain-Controlled Spinal Stimulation Walking Therapy After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
The purpose of this research is to test the effectiveness of a new therapy, called Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSCS), for improving walking in people with an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).
1 US site · Florida - RecruitingNCT00912041
BrainGate2: Feasibility Study of an Intracortical Neural Interface System for Persons With Tetraplegia
The purpose of this study is to obtain preliminary device safety information and demonstrate proof of principle (feasibility) of the ability of people with tetraplegia to control a computer cursor and other assistive devices with their thoughts.
6 US sites · California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island… - RecruitingNCT06700304
CAN-PRIME: Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface for the Control of External Devices
The CAN-PRIME Study is to test the safety and functionality of Neuralink's N1 Implant and R1 Robot in people who have difficulty moving their arms and legs (tetraparesis or tetraplegia). The N1 Implant is a small, wireless device placed in the skull.
Canada - RecruitingNCT04144972
Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Refractory Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects 1 in 4 US adults, and many cases are resistant to almost any treatment. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) holds promise as a new option for patients suffering from treatment-resistant chronic pain, but traditional approaches target only brain regions involved in one aspect of the…
1 US site · California - RecruitingNCT01894802
Cortical Recording and Stimulating Array Brain-Machine Interface
The purpose of this research study is to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of using two CRS Arrays (microelectrodes) for long-term recording of brain motor cortex activity and microstimulation of brain sensory cortex.
2 US sites · Illinois, Pennsylvania - RecruitingNCT07109804
Cuneiform Nucleus (CnF) Deep Brain Stimulation for Gait Facilitation Following Spinal Cord Injury
This is a study about deep brain stimulation (DBS) as an investigational treatment for walking impairment following spinal cord injury (SCI).
2 US sites · Florida - RecruitingNCT03053791
Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury for Improvement of Gait
Spinal cord injuries are anatomically mostly incomplete, showing tissue bridges of the spinal cord at the injury site. Of the 60% functionally incomplete patients, about half face a life in the wheelchair. Besides conventional rehabilitation, no prominsing further treatment options exist.
Switzerland - RecruitingNCT05553353
Dosing rTMS for Depression Post-SCI
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is more commonly seen in individual's post-spinal cord injury (SCI) than in the general population. Depression post-SCI impacts an individuals' quality of life and recovery.
1 US site · South Carolina - RecruitingNCT03698149
ECoG BMI for Motor and Speech Control
Test the feasibility of using electrocorticography (ECoG) signals to control complex devices for motor and speech control in adults severely affected by neurological disorders.
1 US site · California - RecruitingNCT05343130
Efficacy of a Brain-Computer Interface Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury Neurorehabilitation
The study's main goal is to determine the efficacy of a therapy with brain-computer interface controlled functional electrical stimulation for neurorehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients' upper limbs.
Mexico - RecruitingNCT06464744
Efficacy of rTMS Treatment After Spinal Cord Injury
There is accumulating evidence that neuromodulation by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the motor cortex holds promise as a treatment for rehabilitation of motor function following a spinal cord injury.
Norway - RecruitingNCT06094205
Feasibility of the BrainGate2 Neural Interface System in Persons With Tetraplegia (BG-Speech-02)
The goal of this study is to improve our understanding of speech production, and to translate this into medical devices called intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) that will enable people who have lost the ability to speak fluently to communicate via a computer just by trying to speak.
1 US site · California - RecruitingNCT06511934
Feasibility of the BrainGate2 Neural Interface System in Persons With Tetraplegia (BG-Tablet-01)
People with brainstem stroke, advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease), or other disorders can become unable to move or speak despite being awake and alert.
1 US site · Massachusetts - RecruitingNCT06104735
Finding the Best Combination of Brain and Spinal Cord Stimulation With Hand Training After Spinal Cord Injury
While physical exercise remains the foundation for any rehabilitation therapy, the team seeks to improve the benefits of exercise by combining it with the concept of "Fire Together, Wire Together" - when brain stimulation is synchronized with spinal cord stimulation, nerve circuits in the spinal…
1 US site · New York - RecruitingNCT07127172
GB-PRIME: An Early Feasibility Study of a Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface for the Control of External Devices
The GB-PRIME Study is an early feasibility study designed to assess the clinical safety and functionality of the Neuralink N1 Implant and R1 Robot. This study involves participants who have tetraparesis, tetraplegia, or a diagnosis that may lead to these conditions.
United Kingdom - RecruitingNCT03161067
Investigation on the Bidirectional Cortical Neuroprosthetic System
The Bidirectional Cortical Neuroprosthetic System (BiCNS) consists of NeuroPort Microelectrode Array Systems and NeuroPort Electrodes (Sputtered Iridium Oxide Film), Patient Pedestals, the NeuroPort BioPotential Signal Processing System, and the CereStim C96 Programmable Stimulator.
1 US site · Maryland - RecruitingNCT06989905
MEP Up-conditioning to Target Corticospinal Plasticity
Individuals with chronic cervical spinal cord injury will complete a 10-week training protocol where participants receive non-invasive brain stimulation and feedback on the size of the corresponding muscle response (wrist extensor).
1 US site · South Carolina - RecruitingNCT05936619
MindEx: A Novel, Multifocal, Cognitive Brain-Machine Interface System
This research study is being done to develop a novel brain-computer interface (BCI) technology that can enable severely paralyzed individuals to interact with the world through direct brain-control of a computer. This technology is named MindEx (for Mind Extender).
1 US site · Texas - Enrolling by invitationNCT06247904
NIBS Therapy in Subacute Spinal Cord Injury
No accepted clinical therapies exist for repair of motor pathways following spinal cord injury (SCI) in humans, leaving permanent disability and devastating personal and socioeconomic cost.
1 US site · Pennsylvania - RecruitingNCT07433959
Neuromodulation to Improve Grasping Function After SCI
The goal of this study is to restore the activities of late descending signals with a noninvasive stimulation approach in combination with hand motor training to improve hand function in persons with cervical SCI.
1 US site · New York - RecruitingNCT05756894
Neurostimulation for Respiratory Function After Spinal Cord Injury
The purpose of this research study is to learn more about the connections between the brain, nerves, and diaphragm after experiencing a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).The main question it aims to answer is: Changes in respiratory function and recovery using stimulation and respiratory exercise…
1 US site · Illinois - RecruitingNCT06429735
Precise Robotically IMplanted Brain-Computer InterfacE
The PRIME Study is a first-in-human early feasibility study to evaluate the initial clinical safety and device functionality of the Neuralink N1 Implant and R1 Robot device designs in participants with tetraparesis or tetraplegia.
2 US sites · Arizona, Florida - RecruitingNCT06726954
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury Related Neuropathic Pain
The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of different protocols of high-frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy added to the rehabilitation program on neuropathic pain,depression, quality of life and quality of sleep compared to each other and placebo group in…
Turkey (Türkiye) - RecruitingNCT06829212
Research on Wireless Brain Implant System for General Control of External Devices
The clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the minimally invasive, wireless brain-machine interface system (WRS) in enabling general brain control of external devices, such as a cursor and other assistive technologies, for paralyzed and amputee patients.
China - RecruitingNCT03680872
Restoring Motor and Sensory Hand Function in Tetraplegia Using a Neural Bypass System
This is a single-cohort early feasibility trial to determine whether an investigational device called the Bidirectional Neural Bypass System can lead to the restoration of movement and sensation in the hand and wrist of up to seven individuals with tetraplegia.
1 US site · New York - RecruitingNCT01964261
Sensory Motor Transformations in Human Cortex
This research study is being conducted to develop a brain controlled medical device, called a brain-machine interface. The device will provide people with a spinal cord injury some ability to control an external device such as a computer cursor or robotic limb by using their thoughts along with…
4 US sites · California, Colorado - RecruitingNCT06867809
Spine and Brain Stimulation for Movement Recovery After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Stimulation of the spinal cord and brain represents a new experimental therapy that may have potential to restore movement after spinal cord injury.
2 US sites · New York - RecruitingNCT05645003
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy in Neuropathic Painful Spinal Cord Injury Patients
The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of high-frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation(rTMS) therapy applied to the dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) area on neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury.
Turkey (Türkiye) - RecruitingNCT04263285
Treatment of Depression Post-SCI
Depression is more common after a spinal cord injury (SCI) than in the general population. Unfortunately, it is unknown how depression is typically treated in individuals with SCI or if commonly used treatment methods are effective.
1 US site · South Carolina - RecruitingNCT06992596
UAE-PRIME: A Feasibility Study of a Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface for the Control of External Devices
The UAE-PRIME Study is a feasibility study designed to assess the initial clinical safety and functionality of the Neuralink N1 Implant and R1 Robot. This study involves participants who have tetraparesis, tetraplegia, or a diagnosis that may lead to these conditions.
United Arab Emirates - Not yet recruitingNCT07423949
Using Non-invasive Brain and Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Arm and Hand Function After Spinal Cord Injury
Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts communication between the brain and spinal circuits, affecting voluntary movement control and contributing to arm and hand impairments, the top recovery priority for people with tetraplegia.
Canada - RecruitingNCT06010251
Utility of Multisensory Body-Representation in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) With Pain
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of bodily illusions combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on neuropathic pain symptoms and sensory functions in participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) and neuropathic pain.
1 US site · Florida - RecruitingNCT01958086
Visuomotor Prosthetic for Paralysis
The investigators objective is to run human clinical trials in which brain activity recorded through a "brain-chip" implanted in the human brain can be used to provide novel communication capabilities to severely paralyzed individuals by allowing direct brain-control of a computer interface.
3 US sites · California - RecruitingNCT05321017
Wrist Extensor MEP Up-conditioning for Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between common clinical assessments and measurements of the function of brain-spinal cord-muscle connections, and to examine the effects of training a brain-spinal cord-muscle response in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury.
1 US site · South Carolina
Running, but closed to new participants (3)
Active studies that are no longer enrolling. Useful for seeing where the field is heading.
- Active, not recruitingNCT05035823
COMMAND Early Feasibility Study: Implantable BCI to Control a Digital Device for People With Paralysis
The Synchron motor neuroprosthesis (MNP) is intended to be used in subjects with severe motor impairment, unresponsive to medical or rehabilitative therapy and a persistent functioning motor cortex. The purpose of this research is to evaluate safety and feasibility.
3 US sites · New York, Pennsylvania - Active, not recruitingNCT06440538
Rebuilding Inter-limb Transfer in Cervical SCI
The purpose of this study in people living with cervical Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is to examine the effects of paired neurostimulation (i.e., PCMS) combined with contralateral motor training on inter-limb transfer of ballistic motor and hand dexterity skills.
1 US site · Ohio - Active, not recruitingNCT05589415
Targeted HD-tDCS to Improve Upper Limb Rehabilitation in SCI
The proposed project seeks to maximize the functional recovery achieved during the rehabilitation of the paretic upper limbs in individuals with SCI.
1 US site · Texas
Completed and closed (28)
Completed, terminated, withdrawn, or last reported with an unknown status. Completed trials are where published results come from.
- Completed NCT06990412 A Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of an Implantable Wireless Brain-Computer Interface（BCI）System NEO in Patients With Tetraplegia
- Withdrawn NCT04843137 Acute Mechanisms of Cervical Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the Spinal Cord
- Unknown NCT04641793 BoMI for Muscle Control
- Completed NCT04727866 Brain Plus Spinal Stimulation for Cervical SCI
- Completed NCT03029884 Closed-loop Deep Brain Stimulation to Treat Refractory Neuropathic Pain
- Unknown NCT03555838 Combined Robotic Training and tDCS in Chronic SCI
- Withdrawn NCT04325165 DBS of PPN to Improve Walking in Chronic SCI Patients
- Unknown NCT04965727 Deep Brain Stimulation of the Lateral Hypothalamus to Augment Motor Function of Patients With Spinal Cord Injury
- Completed NCT05637775 DiSCIoser: Improving Arm Sensorimotor Functions After Spinal Cord Injury Via Brain-Computer Interface Training
- Unknown NCT06169696 EMPOWER Early Feasibility Study: Non-invasive BCI to Control a Wheelchair for People With Paralysis
- Unknown NCT04194099 Effects of Paired Associative Nerve Stimulation on Spinal Cord Injury Subjects
- Unknown NCT02899637 Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
- Unknown NCT03190863 Grasping Rehabilitation Using Motor Imagery With or With no Neurofeedback After Tetraplegia
- Withdrawn NCT05226676 Long-term Effects of Repetitive TMS in Chronic Neuropathic Pain in People With SCI
- Unknown NCT06531317 Machine-Learning Based EEG Biomarkers for Personalized Interventions
- Unknown NCT05465486 NeuroSuitUp: Neurorehabilitation Through Synergistic Man-machine Interfaces
- Completed NCT06815601 Neuromodulation After Spinal Cord Injury to Improve Limb Function
- Suspended NCT05994846 Non-Invasive Electrical and Magnetic Neuromodulation in Persons With Chronic Spinal
- Unknown NCT04015362 Pulsed Magnetic Stimulation - Managing Spasticity in Spinal Cord Injury
- Unknown NCT05333770 Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Promote Regeneration in Persons With SCI
- Unknown NCT04393922 Spasticity After Spinal Cord Injury
- Unknown NCT05115149 The Study of a Neural Interface and a Neurostimulation in the Rehabilitation of Upper Limb Movement Impairments.
- Unknown NCT04050696 The Use of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Treatment in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Patients
- Unknown NCT06284694 Treatment of Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury - a RTMS Approach
- Completed NCT02006433 Treatment of Pain and Autonomic Dysreflexia in Spinal Cord Injury With Deep Brain Stimulation
- Unknown NCT03811301 [BrainConnexion] - Neurodevice Phase I Trial
- Unknown NCT03394560 rTMS and Body Weight-support Treadmill Training After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
- Unknown NCT03052244 tDCS and VI to Treat Neuropathic Pain and Function in SCI
Where this list comes from
Trials are pulled daily from the ClinicalTrials.gov registry and tagged by what they study and what they target. This page reflects the 2026-09-12 refresh of the 2,167 spinal cord injury trials SCI.help tracks. Eligibility criteria, study contacts, exact sites, and results live on each trial's ClinicalTrials.gov record, linked above. The full dataset is public at /data/sci_trials.min.json.
Before contacting a study team, read clinical trials and SCI research, honestly and how to spot a predatory "trial".