Article

Electrical stimulation for bladder control is an alternative to traditional
methods of treating neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) resulting
from spinal cord injury (SCI). In this review, we systematically discuss the
neurophysiology of bladder dysfunction following SCI and the applications of
electrical stimulation for bladder control following SCI, spanning from historic
clinical approaches to recent pre-clinical studies that offer promising new
strategies that may improve the feasibility and success of electrical stimulation
therapy in patients with SCI. Electrical stimulation provides a unique
opportunity to control bladder function by exploiting neural control mechanisms.
Our understanding of the applications and limitations of electrical stimulation
for bladder control has improved due to many pre-clinical studies performed in
animals and translational clinical studies. Techniques that have emerged as
possible opportunities to control bladder function include pudendal nerve
stimulation and novel methods of stimulation, such as high frequency nerve block.
Further development of novel applications of electrical stimulation will drive
progress towards effective therapy for SCI. The optimal solution for restoration
of bladder control may encompass a combination of efficient, targeted electrical
stimulation, possibly at multiple locations, and pharmacological treatment to
enhance symptom control.

Langue : ANGLAIS