Targeted neuroplasticity with vagus nerve stimulation to help bladder problems after spinal cord injury
Official title: Targeted Neuroplasticity via vagus nerve stimulation to improve urinary dysfunction after spinal cord injury
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11393557 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehab to improve bladder function in people with spinal cord injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00NS135194-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393557 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with incomplete spinal cord injury who have urinary dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
People without SCI or with bladder problems not related to spinal injury may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to help people with spinal cord injury who have trouble fully emptying or controlling their bladder. It combines a nerve stimulation technique with rehabilitation to promote brain and nerve changes that could restore bladder function. The plan includes both clinical and preclinical work to speed up translating findings into patient care. If successful, it could reduce urinary problems and related complications for individuals living with SCI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better bladder control and fewer urinary complications after spinal cord injury.
How similar studies have gone: Early data suggest VNS with rehab can improve function after neurological injury, but applying it to bladder control is new.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hernandez-Reynoso, Ana — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Hernandez-Reynoso, Ana
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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.