Tina Vrabec

Tina Vrabec, PhD, is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine and a Staff Scientist at MetroHealth Medical Center. Her work focuses on developing electrical nerve block technologies to control autonomic, sensory, and motor functions. Key research areas include waveform optimization, electrode design, and clinical applications for cardiac arrhythmia, chronic pain, and spasticity management in spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke patients.

Dr. Vrabec's research integrates engineering principles with clinical practice, emphasizing translational solutions. She has pioneered studies on direct current (DC) and kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) nerve block, demonstrating their efficacy in modulating cardiac sympathetic pathways and suppressing peripheral pain. Collaborations with industry partners like Neuros Medical and Avanos Medical aim to commercialize these technologies.

Her academic background in controls engineering and software development for implantable devices informs her approach to developing user-friendly interfaces for rehabilitative therapies. Past work includes multi-center trials for lower-extremity functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems, highlighting her commitment to bridging engineering innovation with clinical impact.

Current projects explore partial nerve block applications in reflex pathway control for arrhythmia treatment and spasticity reduction. Future directions include expanding intellectual property portfolios and advancing electroceutical solutions for neurological disorders.