Spinal Cord Stimulation for Bladder, Bowel, and Sexual Dysfunction

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Overseen ByAndrei Krassioukov, MD,PhD,FRCPC

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial is testing a non-invasive treatment called TCSCS that uses electrical currents applied to the skin to help people with spinal cord injuries improve their bladder, bowel, and sexual functions. The goal is to offer a simpler and cheaper alternative to surgery. Electrical stimulation for bladder control has been explored as an alternative to traditional methods for treating neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) resulting from spinal cord injury (SCI).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-65 in British Columbia with chronic traumatic spinal cord injury above T6, complete motor paralysis, and documented bladder or sexual dysfunction. They must not be pregnant or planning pregnancy, agree to use contraception, have stable SCI management, no recent surgeries or infections that could interfere with the study, and sufficient hand function or caregiver support for catheterization.

Participant Groups

The trial tests Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TCSCS), a non-invasive method using skin-applied electrodes to improve bladder, bowel, and sexual function after spinal cord injury. It aims to offer an alternative to invasive implanted stimulators by exploring TCSCS's potential benefits without surgery.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: ModerateExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group 1: Moderate 2 times per week transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation.

Group II: IntensiveExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group 2: Intensive 5 times per week transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation.