Investigating brain stimulation to improve bladder control in multiple sclerosis patients
Official title: A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial evaluating individualized neuromodulation of cortical regions involved in neurogenic overactive bladder in Multiple Sclerosis
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11001934 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with multiple sclerosis who have trouble with frequent and urgent urination by using a safe brain stimulation technique to see if it can improve their bladder symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 24, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $305,092 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134340-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001934 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who experience neurogenic overactive bladder symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bladder dysfunction not related to multiple sclerosis or those who do not meet the inclusion criteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on neurogenic overactive bladder (NOAB) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that leads to frequent and urgent urination. The study aims to explore a novel treatment approach using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive technique that targets specific brain regions to enhance their function. By modulating brain activity, the researchers hope to improve bladder symptoms such as urgency and incontinence. Participants will be involved in a randomized, double-blind trial to assess the effectiveness of this brain stimulation method compared to a sham treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, less invasive treatment option for managing bladder dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from earlier studies have shown promising results with similar brain stimulation techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khavari, Rose — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Khavari, Rose
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A researcher is testing a natural-product–based compound that may help people with multiple sclerosis repair nerve damage by guiding brain stem cells to become neurons and myelin-producing cells.
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.