Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.
For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.
Eligibility Criteria
- 1. Age \> 21
- 2. Limited ability to use upper limbs, based on neurological examination, due to stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, cervical spinal cord injury, brainstem stroke, muscular dystrophy, myopathy or severe neuropathy.
- 3. Disability, defined by a 4 or greater score on the Modified Rankin Scale, must be severe enough to cause loss of independence and inability to perform activities of daily living.
- 4. If stroke or spinal cord injury, at least 1 year has passed since onset of symptoms
- 5. Must live within a two-hour drive of UCSF
- 1. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- 2. Inability to understand and/or read English
- 3. Inability to give consent
- 4. Dementia, based on history, physical exam, and MMSE
- 5. Active depression (BDI \> 20) or other psychiatric illness (active general anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or personality disorders (e.g. multiple personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, etc.)
- 6. History of suicide attempt or suicidal ideation
- 7. History of substance abuse
- 8. Co-morbidities including ongoing anticoagulation, uncontrolled hypertension, cancer, or major organ system failure
- 9. Inability to comply with study follow-up visits
- 10. Any prior intracranial surgery
- 11. History of seizures
- 12. Immunocompromised
- 13. Has an active infection
- 14. Has a CSF drainage system or an active CSF leak
- 15. Requires diathermy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to treat a chronic condition
- 16. Has an implanted electronic device such as a neurostimulator, cardiac pacemaker/defibrillator or medication pump, or presence of any head or neck metallic foreign bodies
- 17. Allergies or known hypersensitivity to materials in the Blackrock NeuroPort Array (i.e. silicone, titanium) or the PMT Subdural Cortical Electrode (silicone, platinum iridium, nichrome)
Ages Eligible for Study
21 Years to
Sexes Eligible for Study
ALL
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No