| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R42368/01 |
| Title: |
Neuromodulation through the sacral nerve roots for control of lower limb spasticity in spinal cord injury |
| Principal Investigator: |
Craggs, Professor MD |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Institute of Urology |
| Organisation: |
UCL |
| Scheme: |
LINK |
| Starts: |
30 September 2001 |
Ends: |
29 September 2003 |
Value (£): |
132,151
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Biomaterials |
Instrumentation Eng. & Dev. |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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spasticity is a common and distressing manifestation of a neurological lesion for example following spinal cord injury. This problem can prevent funtional rehabilitation in spinal cord injured patioents and has severe consequences for quality of life. Spasticity is characterised by abnormal muscle tone and spasms, which can occur in both striated muscle for example in the limbs, and also the smooth muscle of the bladder, bowel and sphincters.This project aims to address this clinical problem by providing a novel treatment which will utilise and modify existing implant technology. We propose to investigate the use of neuromodulation, low level electrical stimulation of the sacral nerve roots in the treatment of spasticity in spinal cord injured patients.We have demonstrated in a small pilot study that stimulation of the extradural (posterior and anterior) nerve roots through a Finetech-Brindley Bladder Stimulator is useful in suppresing unwanted reflex contractions of both lower limbs and bladder. We propose to further investigate this phenomenon and develop the existing technology in collaboration with Finetech Medical Ltd in order to provide a novel neuroprosthesis to control the problem of spasticity in spinal cord injury.We have already applied for a provisional US Patent to cover the intellectual property rights for this application
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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