The effects of repetitive transspinal magnetic stimulation on neurogenic bladder after suprasacral spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe any effect of repeated magnetic stimulation of the spine on lower urinary tract function and the life quality of patients with neurogenic bladder after suprasacral spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods:Fifteen suprasacral SCI patients whose lower urinary tract function was not improving were enrolled. In the first 2 weeks, all received water drinking management and intermittent catheterization, while in the following 4 weeks they were additionally provided with daily transspinal magnetic stimulation at the level of the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra five times a week. The stimulation frequency was 1Hz. The patients kept voiding diaries. Their urodynamics were quantified using neurogenic bladder symptom scoring (NBSS) and a life quality scale.Results:The frequency of catheterization and the average voided volume, as well as the maximum detrusor pressure during the storage phase, maximum bladder capacity, maximum urethral pressure during the voiding phase and voiding efficiency at the end of the sixth week were significantly different from those at the end of the second week and before the intervention. The average NBSS and life quality scores then showed significant differences from the earlier time points.Conclusion:Repeteitive transspinal magnetic stimulation of the spine can improve lower urinary tract functioning and the life quality of persons with neurogenic bladder after a suprasacral SCI.