Targeting Improvements in Bowel Function and Quality of Life Using Epidural Stimulation and Training After Severe Spinal Cord Injury
Bowel dysfunction is consistently rated as one of the most common complications affecting daily life for individuals with spinal cord injury. The overall objective of this study is to investigate whether the use of specific spinal cord epidural stimulation will affect bowel function. This study will also examine how alterations in bowel function influence quality of life outcomes. The results of this study may aid in the development of treatments to help individuals with spinal cord injuries that have impaired bowel function.
• At least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment
• At least 2 years post injury
• Non-progressive spinal cord injury
• Stable medical condition
• Unable to voluntarily move all joints of the legs
• Unable to stand independently
• Cardiovascular dysfunction including presence of persistent resting low blood pressures and/or symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia and/or orthostatic hypotension and/or dysregulation in response to postural changes and/or highly variable blood pressures in 24 hour period
• Bowel dysfunction as a result of spinal cord injury