Improving brain and muscle activity to reduce pain in women with bladder pain syndrome
Motor cortical neuromodulation in women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: reducing pain by improving brain and muscle activity
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 ID | NIH-10861737 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome who experience chronic pelvic pain.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome or those with other unrelated chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kutch, Jason J. — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Kutch, Jason J.
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.