Cincinnati Edition: A new way to treat depression

UC researcher studies whether electrical stimulation of the spinal cord helps treat depression

A researcher at the University of Cincinnati is studying whether electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can be helpful in treating certain psychiatric conditions, like depression. Francisco Romo-Nava, MD, PhD, calls his research "neuroscience of the body in psychiatric disorders."

Francisco Romo-Nava, MD, PhD, demonstrating spinal cord stimulation at the Lindner Center of Hope.  Dr. Romo-Nava received patent to study ways to stimulate the spinal cord to treat depression.

Francisco Romo-Nava, MD, PhD, a University of Cincinnati researcher, applies the electrodes to a patient. Photo/Colleen Kelley

"We think that a relatively small electrical current applied through the skin, which can barely be felt by the patient and will not hurt them, will moderate the brain-body communication neural pathways in the spinal cord and will impact certain regions of the brain," Romo-Nava, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at UC, associate chief research officer for the Research Institute at the Lindner Center of HOPE and a UC Health physician scientist, says.

Listen to the full Cincinnati Edition segment from WVXU.

This news was also featured in a WVXU, 91.7-FM report.

Read the full UC News story.

Featured photo of device used in the study by Colleen Kelley.

Impact Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.

Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.

Related Stories

1

University of Cincinnati celebrates DAAP's class of 2024:...

April 27, 2024

Discover the achievements of the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning's Class of 2024 as they graduate into the alumni family, showcasing exceptional talent and innovation. From prestigious awards to prominent job offers, these graduates exemplify the transformative power of creativity and dedication in shaping tomorrow's leaders.

2

Ancient Maya blessed their ballcourts

April 26, 2024

Using environmental DNA analysis, researchers identified a collection of plants used in ceremonial rituals in the ancient Maya city of Yaxnohcah. The plants, known for their religious associations and medicinal properties, were discovered beneath a plaza floor upon which a ballcourt was built, suggesting the building might have been blessed or consecrated during construction.

3

CCM shares 2024 alumni and distinguished service awards

April 26, 2024

UC's College-Conservatory of Music is proud to present alumni and distinguished service awards to outstanding members of our community at the end of each academic year. The 2024 awards are presented to four accomplished alumni and one dedicated patron in a private virtual event on April 23.

Debug Query for this