Motor Cortical Neuromodulation in Women With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · Feb 1, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment for women suffering from Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS), a painful condition that affects many females. The researchers want to see if a non-invasive technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can help reduce pain by targeting specific areas of the brain that control the pelvic floor muscles. They believe that understanding how rTMS affects both the brain and pelvic muscles could lead to better treatments for women with this condition.

To participate in the trial, women must be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with IC/BPS by a doctor, with symptoms occurring most of the time in the past three months. However, certain health issues, like ongoing neurological conditions or severe heart and lung diseases, may exclude someone from joining. If eligible, participants can expect to undergo rTMS treatment and possibly have brain and muscle activity monitored to help researchers learn more about how this treatment works. This could be an important step toward improving care for women dealing with chronic bladder pain.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Be at least 18 years old.
• • 2. Be female.
• • 3. Have a diagnosis of IC/BPS by the referring physician, with urologic symptoms present a majority of the time during the most recent 3 months
• • 4. Screen within standard limits for pelvic pain
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Symptomatic urethral stricture
• • 2. On-going neurological conditions affecting the bladder or bowel
• • 3. Active auto-immune or infectious disorders
• • 4. History of cystitis caused by tuberculosis or radiation or chemotherapies
• • 5. History of non-dermatologic cancer
• • 6. Current major psychiatric disorders
• • 7. Severe cardiac, pulmonary, renal, or hepatic disease
• • 8. Conditions or the use of medical devices that are contraindications for either fMRI or rTMS procedures, including pregnancy, seizure disorders, or chronic headaches