Overactive bladder (OAB) imposes a significant quality of life, mental health, and economic burdens. OAB with or without Urgency incontinence is associated with depression, sexual dysfunction, and limitation of social interactions and physical activities, which significantly affects quality of life. Non-invasive neuromodulation with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can be used in research settings to investigate responses to focal regional brain activation. In the clinical setting, rTMS normalizes brain activity with associated clinical benefits in conditions such as refractory depression. rTMS has been studied for effects on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in bladder pain and neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) populations. Unlike many standard of care OAB interventions, the safety of rTMS is well-reported, including for use in elderly populations and those with cognitive impairment. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate neuroplasticity is emerging as an essential tool to define OAB phenotypes; however, phenotyping studies guided by mechanistic data are lacking. The effects of central neuromodulation on regions involved OAB mechanisms and associated physiological and clinical responses are unknown. This study will be the first to report neuroplasticity, physiologic, and clinical effects of central neuromodulation with rTMS in adults with OAB.
Overactive Bladder, Overactive Bladder Syndrome, Urge Incontinence, Urgency-frequency Syndrome, Urinary Incontinence, Urinary Incontinence, Urge
Overactive bladder (OAB) imposes a significant quality of life, mental health, and economic burdens. OAB with or without Urgency incontinence is associated with depression, sexual dysfunction, and limitation of social interactions and physical activities, which significantly affects quality of life. Non-invasive neuromodulation with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can be used in research settings to investigate responses to focal regional brain activation. In the clinical setting, rTMS normalizes brain activity with associated clinical benefits in conditions such as refractory depression. rTMS has been studied for effects on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in bladder pain and neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) populations. Unlike many standard of care OAB interventions, the safety of rTMS is well-reported, including for use in elderly populations and those with cognitive impairment. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate neuroplasticity is emerging as an essential tool to define OAB phenotypes; however, phenotyping studies guided by mechanistic data are lacking. The effects of central neuromodulation on regions involved OAB mechanisms and associated physiological and clinical responses are unknown. This study will be the first to report neuroplasticity, physiologic, and clinical effects of central neuromodulation with rTMS in adults with OAB.
rTMS in Overactive Bladder
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Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.
For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.
40 Years to 80 Years
ALL
No
The Methodist Hospital Research Institute,
Michelle Almarez, BBA, STUDY_DIRECTOR, Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Department
2026-07