Cardiovascular Function and Response to Stimulation Within the First Year After Spinal Cord Injury

This clinical study investigates the cardiovascular effects of spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) in individuals with recent spinal cord injury (SCI), examining how blood pressure response to stimulation evolves over the first year post-injury. The primary objectives are to determine the optimal timing for initiating scTS for cardiovascular control, characterize blood pressure response evolution to stimulation over one year, and assess autonomic activation patterns through multiple testing methods. The study will recruit five individuals with recent SCI, specifically targeting those who are 50 days or less post-injury, with an injury level at or above T6, and classified as American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A/B. All participants must present with low blood pressure and orthostatic hypotension and be between 18-75 years of age. The study protocol is divided into inpatient and outpatient phases. During the inpatient phase, consisting of 5-11 sessions, participants undergo a basic assessment including autonomic dysfunction questionnaires, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, cold pressor testing, and tilt tests with and without stimulation. The protocol also includes 2-3 days of stimulation mapping. The outpatient phase spans 15-18 sessions over the remainder of the year. Participants undergo monthly mapping sessions and autonomic dysfunction assessments, with comprehensive autonomic testing conducted at 6, 9, and 12 months post-injury. Throughout both phases, researchers perform stimulation mapping across various spinal segments (thoracic, lumbosacral) using a 5-channel electrical stimulator, while monitoring blood pressure and electromyography to target a blood pressure range of 110-120 mmHg. The study employs multiple assessment tools, including 70° tilt tests with orthostatic symptom evaluation every 5 minutes, cold pressor tests, autonomic dysfunction questionnaires, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The study aims to track primary outcomes including blood pressure response to stimulation at different time points, evolution of orthostatic hypotension symptoms and management, and the pattern of autonomic dysfunction development post-injury.