Testing a new therapy to help bladder function after spinal cord injury
Feasibility Testing of a Novel Combination Therapy To Improve Genitourinary Function Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury in a Rat Model
This study is exploring a new way to help improve bladder function after spinal cord injuries by using a combination of special cell treatments and magnetic stimulation, which could lead to better recovery and quality of life for people with these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11072121 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to improve bladder function recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI) using a rat model. The study aims to combine neural progenitor cell grafts with trans-spinal magnetic stimulation to enhance neuroprotection and promote functional recovery. By focusing on the often-overlooked autonomic functions affected by SCI, the research seeks to address significant quality of life issues for individuals with such injuries. The findings could pave the way for new therapeutic interventions that may eventually benefit human patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries and suffer from bladder dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients with spinal cord injuries who do not experience bladder dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved bladder function and overall quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, previous research has shown promise in using regenerative medicine and neuromodulation for recovery in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajasekaran, Mahadevan Raj — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Rajasekaran, Mahadevan Raj
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.