Clinical Trials

While paralysis currently can’t be “cured,� there are hopes that new scientific gains will yield more effective treatments in the future. Studies that explore new and potentially promising treatments are called “clinical trials.�

Effects of Clinical Trials

Because clinical trials collect data on new treatments, neither the medical team or the patient knows whether the treatment will work, and if it does to what degree. Side effects of the treatment are also unknown. While a clinical trial may beneficial to the spinal cord injury patient, there are some consideration that should be taken into account before it’s determined that participating in a clinical trial is the right choice.

Making the Choice

Discussing the potential benefits and negatives of a clinical trial with the patient’s medical team is a good place to start. Before making a decision, many questions should be asked including:

  • What do scientists hope to find out from the study? What’s the point of the study?
  • What kinds of tests and treatments are part of the study?
  • How is it thought these treatments work, and what are they expected to do?
  • What are the possible long-term outcomes on the patient’s case as a result of this trial?
  • If the patient doesn’t participate in the trial, what can be expected?
  • What are the other treatment choices, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of choosing these?
  • Will the study disrupt the patient’s everyday life?
  • What are the potential side effects associated with the trial, and how can they be controlled?
  • Does the clinical trial require hospitalization, and if so or how long?
  • Is the study free, and if not how much will it cost?
  • If the trial has negative effects on the patient, will they be given the appropriate treatment?
  • What is the duration of the study, and is long-term or follow-up care part of the study?
  • Has this treatment ever been used to treat spinal cord injuries in the past?

Finding Clinical Trials

For more information as well as a complete listing of clinical trials, contact the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and strokes at http://www.ninds.nih.gov, or go directly to http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/search/term=spinal.