Improving bladder control after spinal cord injury with epidural stimulation
Targeting urinary tract dysfunctions after spinal cord injury with epidural stimulation
This work explores how electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can help people with spinal cord injuries regain control over their bladder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160751 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For individuals with spinal cord injuries, managing bladder function can be a major challenge affecting daily life. This project looks at a technique called spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES), which uses a small electrical field placed directly over the spinal cord. The goal is to find the best ways to use this stimulation to help improve both storing and emptying the bladder. Researchers hope to understand how scES works within the spinal cord's nerve circuits to restore these important functions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of spinal cord stimulation for bladder control in animal models, with future implications for patients with spinal cord injuries and related urinary tract dysfunctions.
Not a fit: Patients without spinal cord injuries or related urinary tract dysfunctions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new or improved treatments that significantly enhance bladder control and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Spinal cord epidural stimulation has shown early promise in restoring some voluntary and reflex control of the lower urinary tract in individuals with spinal cord injuries, and this work aims to optimize those approaches.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hubscher, Charles H. — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Hubscher, Charles H.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.