Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation in Spina Bifida

Various types of electrical stimulation have been used for many years in people with disabilities, including Spina Bifida, to decrease pain and discomfort and to improve muscle strength and movement.  One of the modalities being used in people with motor disabilities is Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSCS). With TSCS, electrical stimulation is provided at the lumbar spine to elicit a motor response in muscles that are paralyzed. This has been studied most vigorously in people with spinal cord injury.

To date, there have been two reviews of the literature related to TSCS in spinal cord injury. They note that while the most recent studies have identified some potential benefit from this modality in spinal cord injury, more research needs to be done in well-controlled clinical trials.

This article provides insights on TSCS as a modality and explains SBA’s position on its use.