Electrical nerve stimulation to promote micturition in spinal cord injury patients: A review of current attempts

Neurourol Urodyn. 2016 Mar;35(3):365-70. doi: 10.1002/nau.22730. Epub 2015 Feb 8.

Abstract

Aims: In this review, we focus on the current attempts of electrical nerve stimulation for micturition in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.

Methods: A literature search was performed through PubMed using "spinal cord injury," "electrical nerve stimulation AND bladder," "sacral anterior root stimulation/stimulator" and "Brindley stimulator" from January 1975 to January 2014.

Results: Twenty studies were selected for this review.

Conclusion: Electrical nerve stimulation is a clinical option for promoting micturition in SCI patients. Well-designed, randomized and controlled studies are essential for further investigation.

Keywords: electrical nerve stimulation; neurogenic bladder; sacral anterior root stimulation; spinal cord injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / instrumentation
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Implantable Neurostimulators
  • Recovery of Function
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / complications
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Bladder / innervation*
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / diagnosis
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / etiology
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / physiopathology
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / therapy*
  • Urination*