Electrophysiological evaluation of penile somatic nerve function in diabetic impotent patients

ABSTRACT

Penile non autonomic nervous function in 17 impotent diabetic patients were studied electrophysiologically, the methods used were dorsal nerve of penis [DNP] conduction velocity, and Bulbocavernosus reflex [BCR]. H Reflex and medial popliteal nerve conduction velocity were also included to assess lower limb nerve function as an indication of generalized neuropathy and radiculopathy. The same studies were performed on 8 normal volunteers. The Dorsal nerve of penis conduction velocity was found impaired in 11 patients [64.7%] either in an isolated form or as a part of generalized neuropathy. Two of the patients showing normal DNP conduction velocity demonstrated electrophysiological evidences of radiculopathy. The present study suggests that the abnormal non autonomic nervous function contributes to the pathogenesis of impotence and that the isolated autonomic neuropathy leading to impotence is rare