Early Application of Cervical and Thoracic Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation During Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation for High Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report.

Abstract

Early recovery of arm and trunk function after high cervical spinal cord injury is challenging. We report a case of a 42-yr-old woman with subacute C3 AIS (ASIA Impairment Scale) B spinal cord injury treated with cervical and thoracic transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation during acute inpatient rehabilitation. Initiated 6 wks after injury alongside physical therapy, transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation was associated with improved motor scores (0-10), sensory gains, and AIS conversion to C. Functional gains included better trunk control and voluntary upper extremity movement. Treatment was well tolerated without adverse effects. This case supports the feasibility and potential efficacy of early transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation integration in acute cervical spinal cord injury rehabilitation and warrants further study.