BreEStim in Managing Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Exclusion Criteria

• •is on a mechanical ventilator
• •is currently having active urinary tract infection (UTI)
• •does not have any residual sensation in the arms
• •has other pain (musculoskeletal, visceral etc.), but not neuropathic, e.g., shoulder pain from wheelchair use
• •has a pacemaker to avoid possible side effect of electrical stimulation
• •is not able to follow commands, or to give consent
• •has asthma or other pulmonary disease
• •has a history of cardiac pathology, implanted pacemakers, or current use of rhythm altering medication like beta-blockers
• •has baclofen pump or deep brain implants
• •has respiratory tract/sinus infection and rhinorrhea
• •has low motor neuron injury that no responses will be triggered by electrical stimulation
• •has severe mental disorders (e.g., depression, substance abuse) and is receiving active treatment and frequent monitoring
• •is not medically stable