Spinal Cord Stimulation for Children With Cerebral Palsy

Inclusion Criteria

A. Patient-Participant Group (Children with Cerebral Palsy)

• Children aged 5 to 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy.
• Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels I to IV, able to walk with or without assistance (walker or cane). This classification will have been completed by Dr. Martin Piazza and his Movement Disorders clinic team.
• Stable medical condition without recent surgeries or interventions that could affect motor function.
• Must be able to communicate basic needs and follow simple instructions.
• Provision of informed consent by a parent or legal guardian, with assent from the child as appropriate.

B. Control Group (Children without Neurological Diagnoses)

• Children aged 5 to 17 years with no history of neurological diagnoses.
• Must be fully ambulatory without assistance.
• Must be able to communicate basic needs and follow simple instructions.
• Provision of informed consent by a parent or legal guardian, with assent from the child as appropriate.

Exclusion Criteria

• Presence of implanted medical devices (e.g., baclofen pumps, deep brain stimulators) that may interfere with TSCS.
• Severe scoliosis or spinal deformities that could affect the delivery of tSCS.
• Uncontrolled epilepsy or a history of frequent seizures.
• Severe cognitive impairments limiting the ability to comply with study procedures.
• Skin conditions or open wounds at the site of stimulation.
• Participation in other interventional studies that may confound results.
• Any serious disease or disorder (e.g. cancer, severe cardiac or respiratory disease, etc.) that could affect ability to participate in this study.