Improving brain and muscle activity to reduce pain in women with bladder pain syndrome
Official title: Motor cortical neuromodulation in women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: reducing pain by improving brain and muscle activity
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10861737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain activity affects chronic pain in women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome and will use a special treatment called rTMS to see if it can help improve brain and pelvic muscle function to reduce pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $348,480 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK121724-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome who experience chronic pelvic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome or those with other unrelated chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in brain activity may contribute to chronic pain in women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS). By using a technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), the study aims to enhance brain and pelvic muscle function, potentially alleviating pain. Participants will undergo assessments using functional MRI and electromyography to measure changes in brain and muscle activity. The goal is to establish a connection between improved brain function and reduced pain levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, non-invasive treatments for chronic pain in women suffering from IC/BPS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar neuromodulation techniques for chronic pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kutch, Jason J. — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Kutch, Jason J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding spinal cord cell roles in bladder pain and function
A study to map which spinal cord cells process bladder sensations and how they contribute to bladder pain and voiding problems in IC/BPS.
-
How bladder support cells control the lining and bladder pain
Researchers are exploring whether special support cells in the bladder control nerve overgrowth and damage to the bladder lining in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
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Personalized treatments for bladder pain (interstitial cystitis)
A treatment approach aiming at the underlying causes of bladder pain for people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.
-
Spinal cord cell types that drive bladder pain in interstitial cystitis (IC/BPS)
Researchers will use precise lab tools to find which spinal cord cells cause bladder pain and troublesome urination in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
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Understanding and treating bladder pain syndrome
This study is looking at interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) to find out more about different types of patients based on their symptoms, so we can create better, personalized treatments that really help with their pain and urinary issues.
-
Understanding how spinal cord cells affect bladder pain and function
This study is looking at how different types of cells in the spinal cord help process bladder pain and function in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, with the hope of finding better treatments for those who suffer from this condition.
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.