Neuromodulating Cortical Regions Involved in Neurogenic Bladder in MS

Neurogenic overactive bladder (NOAB), characterized by urinary frequency, urgency or urgency incontinence symptoms occurring during the storage phase of the bladder, is the most common urinary complaint in multiple sclerosis (MS). Current management options for NOAB in MS have limited efficacy and considerable adverse effects, which underscores the significance of this study and highlights the need for better, less invasive therapies. This novel study investigates brain therapeutic targets that could shift the focus of NOAB management in MS from a bladder-centric focus to brain restoration; specifically modulating the brain regions identified in the prior functional magnetic resonance imagining studies. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation that can modulate neurons (excite or inhibit) to improve the connectivity of the regions of interest (ROI). The preliminary data demonstrate, for the first time, significant improvement in bladder symptoms in ten women with MS who have voiding dysfunction following multifocal transcranial magnetic stimulation without any treatment-related adverse effects.

This randomized double-blind, sham-controlled single center clinical trial with an optional open-label extension (OLE) phase is designed to evaluate the effects of targeted rTMS in women with MS and NOAB by investigating restorative reorganization of brain function and improvement of urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence.

Investigators hypothesize that cortical alterations in bladder volume sensing and their response to stimulation contribute to NOAB symptoms in MS, and that improving the response to bladder distention (ROI within circuits 1 and 2) with neuronavigated rTMS can restore brain activity and improve symptoms (frequency, urgency, and incontinence). Investigators will test this hypothesis with the following specific aims:

Aim 1: To determine the clinical effects of neuronavigated and multifocal active/sham rTMS in women with MS and NOAB Aim 2: To assess the neuroimaging restorative effects of neuronavigated active/sham rTMS in women with MS and NOAB Aim 3: To assess the long-term safety and therapeutic effects of repeated rTMS in women with MS and NOAB who participate in the OLE phase (which subjects from both groups will be invited to enter at the 3-month follow up).

Efforts to improve the current knowledge of brain contribution to lower urinary tract function and the development of an individualized, noninvasive, and effective treatment modality at the level of the brain will greatly impact the quality of life for individuals with MS and subsequently others with OAB, whether neurogenic or non-neurogenic

Inclusion criteria

• Adult women (≥ 18 years of age)
• Clinically stable MS defined as ExpandedDisability Status Score (EDSS) ≤ 7.5without exacerbation worsening in the preceding 6 months prior to study entry
• Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction symptoms ≥ 3 months with NBSS total ≥ 15
• Individuals with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score >10 will be eligible
• At least one bladder storage symptoms (e.g., urinary frequency, urinary urgency, nocturia with or without incontinence) indicated by OAB -AT≥ 8
• Individuals with active urinary tract infection (UTI) will be treated and will be enrolled after negative urinalysis

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant/planning to become pregnant or nursing
• Urodynamic findings of bladder outlet obstruction
• Baclofen or other intrathecal pumps, Pacemakers.
• History of seizure disorder (SZ), immediate family of SZ disorder, in addition to individuals who are taking any medications such as (bupropion) Wellbutrin or substances (ex: heavy alcohol use) that would lower seizure threshold will be excluded.
• History of bipolar disorder, or individuals who are taking medications that can exacerbate the condition such as tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-nor-epinephrine reuptake inhibitors, anti-psychotics, lithium, bupropion (Wellbutrin) and antihistamines will be excluded.
• All intracranial lesions and hemorrhagic stroke will be excluded
• History of moderate to severe heart disease or unstable angina
• History of Autonomic Dysreflexia
• History of interstitial cystitis, pelvic radiation
• Intra-detrusor botulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) injection over the past 6 months
• Incarcerated patients will be excluded.
• Active sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) device or any other spinal stimulators
• Indwelling urethral or suprapubic catheter