NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCase Western Reserve University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project startSeptember 26, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$249,000
NIH project number5R00NS135194-03
Project IDNIH-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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.