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  • Review Article
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Electrical nerve stimulation for overactive bladder in children

Nature Reviews Urology volume 8, pages 402–407 (2011)Cite this article

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Abstract

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a urological condition that is frequently observed in children and requires treatment. Standard urotherapy is usually the first line of treatment; however, children with severe OAB do not respond to this therapy. Antimuscarinic drugs may be used, but complete resolution of symptoms with this medication is low. Studies, including two randomized clinical trials, have demonstrated that electrical nerve stimulation (ENS) can be used successfully for OAB in children. Electrodes have been placed in the genitals, anus, and intravesical area, and on the tibial posterior nerve, as well as used transcutaneously or implanted during a surgical procedure. This Review will discuss the use of ENS in children with OAB, with particular focus on the putative mechanisms of action, the different ENS techniques available, and clinical results for this therapy.

Key Points

  • The etiology of overactive bladder in children is unclear, but immaturity of the cingulated gyrus is a plausible cause of this disorder

  • Electrical nerve stimulation (ENS) can be used to treat overactive bladder in children

  • ENS may act on lower urinary tract reflexes, but a supraspinal effect is likely the main mechanism of action

  • Transcutaneous parasacral ENS is an effective method for treating overactive bladder in children (level 1 evidence)

  • ENS is well tolerated in children and the rate of adverse effects is low

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology and Centro de Distúrbios Miccionais na Infância, Bahiana School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, 275 Avenue Dom João VI, Brotas CEP 40285,000, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

    Ubirajara Barroso Jr & Patrícia Lordêlo

Authors
  1. Ubirajara Barroso Jr
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  2. Patrícia Lordêlo
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Contributions

U. Barroso and P. Lordêlo made equal contributions to researching, discussing, writing, reviewing and editing this manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ubirajara Barroso Jr.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Barroso, U., Lordêlo, P. Electrical nerve stimulation for overactive bladder in children. Nat Rev Urol 8, 402–407 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrurol.2011.68

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