Project Type
independent
Project Lead Center
UAB Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
Project Start Date
01/17/2007
Project End Date
05/31/2011
Target Population(s)
Men and women of all races, ages 19 and older, with spinal cord injury for at least 6 months.

In addition to loss of motor and sensory function, persons with SCIs experience altered autonomic function including neurogenic bladder, bowel, and sexual functions. Whereas significant information is available to predict the impact of specific levels and types of SCI on recovery of motor and sexual function, little information is available that will allow one to use the clinical neurologic examination to predict the potential for control of the neurogenic bladder. This information would be useful to allow better planning for urinary management in persons with SCIs. Furthermore, it would be useful to assist in prediction of which persons with SCIs would most likely benefit from experimental therapies designed to promote neurologic and autonomic recovery.