Repetitive Lumbosacral Nerve Magnetic Stimulation Improves Bladder Dysfunction Due to Lumbosacral Nerve Injury: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Background. Rapid rate magnetic stimulation of human sacral nerve roots can reduce stress incontinence. Objective. To test stimulation for urgency incontinence due to lumbosacral plexopathy. Methods. The authors studied patients with intractable neurogenic urinary dysfunction due to lumbosacral nerve injuries. Eligible patients were randomized to receive either real or sham repetitive lumbosacral magnetic stimulation (rLMS; 15 Hz with a total of 1500 pulses/session) for 10 sessions. Evaluation was performed before starting treatment, immediately after the 5th and 10th treatment session, and 1 month later, using rating scales to score urinary dysfunction and a visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess lower back pain. Posterior tibial nerve F-wave and H-reflexes were tested before and after treatment. Results. Both treatment and control groups were comparable for baseline characters and sphincteric disturbances. The mean number of voids and incontinence per 24 hours was significantly reduced in patients who received rLMS. The improvement was maintained 1 month after the end of treatment. Patients receiving real-rLMS also reported an improvement in VAS ratings. Improvement in F-wave and H-reflex latencies after real stimulation (P = .002 and P = .036, respectively) was found as well. Conclusion. rLMS at 15 Hz may improve urinary dysfunction secondary to lumbosacral nerve injury. Further trials can determine the profile of patients who may benefit and optimal stimulation parameters.