Pulsed Magnetic Stimulation - Managing Spasticity in Spinal Cord Injury

Spasticity (tightening, spasming and/or contractions of muscles) is a commonly encountered consequence of injuries to the central nervous system. Spasticity has an adverse effect on quality of life and function of patients with spinal cord injuries, stroke and cerebral palsy. Conventional management consists of medication, injections of botulinum toxin and occasionally extensive surgical interventions. Several studies have examined the use of repetitive magnetic stimulation of the brain and of peripheral nerves to produce long-term depression of spasticity. Recently, Theta burst sequence low-dose magnetic stimulation has been shown to mark unused synaptic connections for deletion. By using pulsed magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord the abnormal connections arising from injury may be identified for deletion, therefore potentially minimising the mis-firing circuits.

The investigators plan, in this pilot study, to test whether firstly the application of pulsed magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord is achievable in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and secondly whether it has an effect on lower limb spasticity.

These results will be used to help design a larger trial, to expand the numbers of participants and variety of pathologies treated.

Participants (in-patients at the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries) with stable SCI will be randomised to receive either intermittent pulsed magnetic stimulation or no stimulation. Patients will be blinded as to whether they are receiving stimulation (the machine will be active up and placed in the same position for both groups, except the sham group will have the stimulation coil applied in an orientation that does not deliver the magnetic field to the spinal cord).

The investigators are trying to understand the potential for low-dose magnetic stimulation to reduce unwanted symptoms including spasticity following a spinal cord injury. After an injury to the spinal cord the nerves within the spinal cord below the level of the injury reorganise themselves. This leads to unwanted connections producing a condition known as spasticity. Spasticity is experienced by patients as unwanted muscle stiffness. In patients with some sensation this can cause pain and can often lead to problems with bones and joints and difficulties with positioning for seating and standing. Along with spasticity, altered functioning in the nerves that control blood pressure, sweating, bowel and bladder can all create difficulties for someone who has had such an injury.

It is now known that the nervous system reorganises itself on a continuous basis even after humans have finished growing. For example, it has to do this so that we can form memories and learn. This process is necessary in healthy life and is regulated by an army of cells that roam through the central nervous system including the spinal cord. These cells known as microglial cells act as gardeners, pruning connections that aren't needed and strengthening connections that are needed. From recent work in the field of biology it is now understood that a chemical called complement is used as a marker a bit like paint on a tree that is to be trimmed, to tell the microglial cells where to cut or where to strengthen. Very low level pulsed magnetic stimulation can mark connections that need to be trimmed so that the microglial cells can go about their job. The investigators want to identify whether by using a very low dose of magnetic stimulation we could reduce the abnormal connections in the spinal cord that cause spasticity. The investigators believe this is a very safe treatment because it is using magnetic stimulation on the spinal cord at a 10th of the level that is commonly used on the brain.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to provide informed consent
* Aged above 18 years and below 99 years old
* Possesses mental capacity
* Established spinal cord injury Frankel grade A, B or C, at least 2 months prior to recruitment
* Involvement of the spinal cord at L1 level or above
* Admitted to the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (Oswestry, UK)
* Expected to remain an in-patient for the duration of the study
* Experiences spasticity affecting the lower limbs

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant
* Non-MRI compatible spinal fixation in place
* Implanted Insulin pump
* Change of spasticity medication within last 2 weeks
* Planned spasticity intervention at this admission
* Epilepsy with fit within the last 12 months
* Currently taking donezipil hydrochloride
* Currently taking sodium valproate
* Cardiac Pacemaker or wires
* Internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
* Deep Brain Stimulator
* Tattoo on lower back
* Radioactive seeds
* Cochlear implant/ear implant
* Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS)
* Intrathecal Baclofen Pump
* presence of shrapnel, bullets, pellets, Ball bearings in the patient's body
* Wearable cardioverter defibrillator
* Surgical clips, staples or sutures
* VeriChip microtransponder
* Wearable infusion pump
* Irremovable Body piercings