Pudendal Somatosensory Evoked Potentials and Bulbocavernosus Reflex according to the Type of Neurogenic Bladder

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study was purposed to reveal the differences of the findings of pudendal somatosensory evoked potential (PSEP) and electrophysiological bulbocavernosus reflex (EBCR) according to the type of neurogenic bladder. METHOD: The subjects were 65 patients with neurogenic bladder. The causes of neurogenic bladder were consist of seven brain lesions; 39 spinal cord injuries; 15 cauda equina syndromes; and four peripheral polyneuropathies. PSEP and EBCR were done. RESULTS: Of the patients with hyperreflexic bladder (43.1%), PSEP latency was normal in 21.4%, delayed in 21.4%, and not obtainable in 57.2%. Of the patients with areflexic bladder (56.9%), PSEP latency was normal in 24.3%, delayed in 21.6%, and not obtainable in 54.1%. Of the patients with hyperreflexic bladder, EBCR latency was normal in 82.1%, delayed in 14.3%, and not obtainable in 3.6%. Of the patients with areflexic bladder, EBCR latency was normal in 16.2%, delayed in 37.8%, and not obtainable in 46.0% (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: There was significant correlation between EBCR and type of neurogenic bladder, but not with PSEP. These results seem to be reflected from the neuro-anatomical lesion of the neurogenic bladder.