Cervical spinal cord stimulation in cerebral ischemia

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has long been known to increase peripheral blood flow, and there is growing evidence of a similar effect on cerebral blood flow (CBF). We have studied the effects of this intervention in the setting of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in Sprague-Dawley rats. Cervical SCS resulted in a dose-dependent increase in CBF. In animals undergoing MCA occlusion, SCS significantly increased CBF in the core, penumbral and outer zones. Spinal cord stimulation meaningfully reduced stroke volumes both in the setting of transcranial occlusion of the MCA as well as following suture occlusion of the MCA. A strategy employing SCS for the prevention of critical ischemia is feasible, and may have potential for the treatment and prevention of stroke.