In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) for overactive bladder (OAB) in women with Parkinson's disease. Researchers suggested that TTNS is a good option for the treatment of these women.
Some background
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic disorder that affects the brain cells. These cells lose their ability in controlling body functions. These patients have physical and mental symptoms that affect their quality of life. OAB is a common symptom of patients with Parkinson’s disease. It can affect between 27% and 40% of patients. It consists of urinary symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence (leakage of urine) at day and night-time.
Treatment with standard methods, such as levodopa, is only of limited effectiveness. TTNS consists of the insertion of a needle in the leg, next to the tibial (shin) nerve. This will send electrical impulses to the sacral nerve which controls the bladder function. Prior studies showed that TTNS improves the symptoms of patients with OAB. However, if TTNS improves the OAB symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease is still not known.
Methods & findings
This study investigated 30 women with Parkinson’s disease and OAB. All participants were assigned to a TTNS group (15) and a placebo (15) group. Treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Both groups were assessed at the start of the treatment and after 12 weeks, 30-, and 90-day follow-up.
After 12 weeks, 93.3% of the TTNS group and 33.3% of the placebo group reported improvements in OAB symptoms.
The TTNS group had a significant reduction in night-time urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence. The use of pads and symptoms of the OAB also decreased.
The bottom line
This study concluded that TTNS is a good option for the treatment of OAB in women with Parkinson’s disease.
The fine print
This study included a limited number of participants. Further studies with bigger populations are necessary.
Published By :
Neurourology and urodynamics
Date :
Dec 16, 2020
