Does patterned afferent stimulation of sacral dermatomes suppress urethral sphincter reflexes in individuals with spinal cord injury?

Abstract

Stimulation parameters and locations effective in SCI animals did not suppress reflex sphincter activity in these human subjects. It is likely that a broader set of stimulus patterns and dermatome locations will need to be tested to find the effective combination in humans.

Impact of direct epispinal stimulation on bladder and bowel functions in pigs: A feasibility study

“…Unfortunately, although minimally invasive, this technique was not designed for SCI people for whom the stimulation would increase spasticity and has a major drawback, its inability to manage both voiding and storage issues. Thus, the need of new stimulation approaches for bladder and bowel rehabilitation remains critical even if promising — but not mature — strategies were already proposed …”

Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Management of Neurogenic Overactive Bladder

“…When stimulation is applied to the third sacral dermatome (S3), it was demonstrated both reflex bladder and sphincter contractions with bladder filling. 24 The effect of TENS on the S3 in patients has been further investigated. Cystometric capacity was significantly greater with TENS on S3 than with the other electrode configurations.…”

“…Reflex suppression of the bladder is strongly dependent on stimulus location. When stimulation is applied to the third sacral dermatome (S3), it was demonstrated both reflex bladder and sphincter contractions with bladder filling 24 . The effect of TENS on the S3 in patients has been further investigated.…”