Restoring breathing after spinal cord injury
Stimulation of Cervical Excitatory Interneurons to Restore Breathing After Chronic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
This study is looking at a new way to help people with chronic neck injuries breathe better by using special techniques to boost the signals between their brain and spinal cord.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098431 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a method to restore breathing in patients who have suffered chronic cervical spinal cord injuries. It focuses on stimulating specific excitatory interneurons in the cervical spinal cord that are crucial for breathing control. By using pharmacogenetic techniques, the study aims to enhance communication between the brain and spinal cord to improve respiratory function. The approach builds on previous findings in animal models and seeks to determine its effectiveness in humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic cervical spinal cord injuries who experience breathing difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients with acute spinal cord injuries or those whose breathing issues are not related to cervical spinal cord dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with chronic cervical spinal cord injuries by restoring their ability to breathe independently.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in animal models, but this approach is novel when applied to chronic cervical spinal cord injury in humans.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurpad, Shekar N. — Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kurpad, Shekar N.
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.