CBD for bladder control after spinal cord injury
Cannabinoid Modulation for Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injury
This test gives adults with recent supra‑sacral spinal cord injury purified CBD (Epidiolex) twice daily for 90 days to see if it reduces urinary incontinence and other bladder symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06840899 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This phase 2 pilot feasibility trial gives adult participants with supra‑sacral spinal cord injury purified cannabidiol (Epidiolex) 100 mg twice daily for 90 days to target neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction after resolution of spinal shock. Eligible participants must have at least two urinary incontinence episodes per day and meet inclusion/exclusion criteria; key exclusions include recent intravesical Botox, high-dose anticholinergic use, active non-study cannabis use, and certain mood/thought disorders. Study measures include changes in incontinence frequency and other urinary symptoms, feasibility outcomes such as recruitment and adherence, and safety/tolerability monitoring. All dosing and follow-up occur at the University of Wisconsin–Madison with urine drug screening and standardized questionnaires.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults over 18 with supra‑sacral spinal cord injury who have neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction with ≥2 incontinence episodes per day and can attend in-person visits at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with recent intravesical Botox, those on high-dose anticholinergics, ongoing non-study cannabis use, or significant mood/thought disorders were excluded and may not be helped by this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, CBD could reduce daily incontinence episodes and improve bladder-related quality of life after spinal cord injury.
How similar studies have performed: Use of purified CBD specifically for neurogenic bladder in humans is largely novel, with limited clinical data and mostly preclinical or anecdotal reports.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \>18 years of age * History of supra-sacral spinal cord injury of any mechanism * Urinary incontinence with ≥2 episodes of urinary incontinence per day (outside of spinal shock) * Willingness to participate in drug intervention trial * English-speaking (able to provide consent and complete questionnaires) Exclusion Criteria: * History of intravesical Botox * Actively taking \>15 mg of Oxybutynin single dose or equivalent dose of alternative anticholinergic medication for bladder symptoms * Use of Cannabis (any form) outside of study as determined by urine drug screen after washout period of 1 month if prior Cannabis use reported * Thought or mood disorder aside from depression
Where this trial is running
Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin - Madison — Madison, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Javi Santiago — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Maria Flory
- Email: flory@ortho.wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-262-8652
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.