Electrical stimulation in the treatment of neurogenic bladder dysfunction

Abstract

Voiding and storage of urine are performed by the urinary bladder and the urethra, which are neurally controlled by the sacral nerves. Neurologic disturbances can influence switching between storage and voiding that results in voiding dysfunction, leading to neurogenic bladder. Causes of neurogenic bladder dysfunction include spinal cord injury or trauma; central nervous system tumors; demyelinating disease involving the spinal cord; spinal cord ischemia; cerebral palsy; and myelomeningocele, which is the most common cause of neurogenic bladder dysfunction in children. This article provides information about neurogenic bladder dysfunction and the current treatment options using electrical neuromodulation, comparing the various available modalities.