Brain and Bladder Study – Females Aged 18-45
STUDY BASICS
Are you female and aged 18-45? Do you experience “overactive bladder” and urinary urge incontinence (a sudden, strong urge to urinate that results in urine leakage)? You may be able to take part in a research study to help better understand the relationship between the brain and the bladder. Compensation and transportation/parking provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine. A common type is called urge incontinence, which causes a need to urinate that is so sudden and strong you can’t get to the bathroom in time. Although the cause is unknown, faulty connections between the brain and the bladder may play a role. This research study will examine that connection.
Researchers hope their findings will lead to better treatment for women with urinary urge incontinence in the future.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Women aged 18-45
- Experience ‘overactive bladder’ or urinary urge incontinence (a sudden, strong urge to urinate that results in urine leakage) at least 5 times per week
- Willing and able to undergo MRI scanning (not claustrophobic)
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Participation involves two in-person visits. During the first visit, participants will answer questions. During the second visit, participants will have an MRI scan while their bladder is filled by a catheter. MRI scans are not invasive and do not use radiation.
IRB: STUDY20080217A
- Investigation of brain mechanisms involved in the Urinary Continence mechanism associated with agingMEET THE RESEARCHER
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Neil M. Resnick
Neil Resnick, MD, is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. A graduate of Stanford University, Dr. Resnick’s research focuses on the causes and treatment of incontinence.
MEET THE RESEARCH TEAM
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Becky Clarkson
Becky Clarkson, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in Medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Clarkson’s research interests include the link between the brain and the bladder in urge urinary inconsistence, situationally triggered urinary urgency and the development of new and improved incontinence treatments.