The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether dorsal root electrical stimulation could reduce spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
The investigators will recruit participants with CP requiring selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery. During SDR, spastic dorsal roots are routinely identified by electrically stimulating each root at low frequency (1 Hz) and measuring the resulting muscle response via electromyography - a procedure called "clinical test stimulation." Dorsal roots that produce an abnormally large and widespread compound muscle action potential (CMAP) are classified as spastic. In this study, the investigators will superimpose higher-frequency dorsal root stimulation (40-5000 Hz) on top of this standard clinical test stimulation and assess whether it suppresses the abnormal large CMAP.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
15
The DS8R is an external isolated stimulator system used in human research (DS8R), delivers controlled electrical pulses with adjustable stimulation parameters.
The Cadwell Guardian System is a clinical intraoperative system used to deliver stimulation in the dorsal root during SDR.
UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
RECRUITINGPeak-to-peak amplitude of the dorsal root reflex
The investigators will assess whether dorsal root electrical stimulation at frequencies (40-5000Hz) can normalize the abnormally large muscle response to electrical stimulation of the same dorsal root at low frequencies that is a signature of spasticity in CP. The investigators will measure the peak-to-peak amplitude of the dorsal root reflex with intramuscular EMGs. Succes criteria: A 20% reduction in the peak-to-peak amplitude of the spinal reflex
Time frame: In session during the surgery (1 session)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.