Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for Overactive Bladder

This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS – stimulating nerves in the leg) to treat overactive bladder (OAB). The study found that TTNS was safe but only effective in the short-term.

Overactive bladder symptoms include urinating too often, inability to hold on to urine, and waking during the night. This can reduce quality of life. It can sometimes be treated with medication however this may not be effective. TTNS uses an electrode to stimulate nerves of the bladder to improve symptoms. It is important to research safety and effectiveness of TTNS for OAB.

84 patients treated with medication for OAB were included in the study. Patients received daily TTNS treatment at home. Patients were followed up for 38.9 months, and the average amount of time that patients stayed on treatment was 8.3 months.

Initially, after 3 months of treatment, 71% of patients had improved symptoms with daily TTNS treatment. However, after 12 months of follow up, the treatment was no longer effective. The main reason patients stopped treatment was insufficient symptom relief (70%). No serious side effects were noted.

This study found that TTNS was a safe and effective treatment for OAB in the short-term.

This study is one of the first to look at the long-term outcomes of TTNS treatment. Larger studies are required to confirm results.

Consult your physician about different types of treatment for overactive bladder.