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Clinical Neurophysiology

  • Chapter
The Physiology of the Lower Urinary Tract

Abstract

Neurophysiological testing is becoming increasingly important and more widely used in the assessment of urological problems. Simple electromyography (EMG) of the pelvic floor with surface electrodes is already considered by many to be necessary for a full urodynamic study. More sophisticated neurophysiological investigations, such as needle electrode EMG, reflex studies, nerve conduction studies and motor latencies, can give more detailed information about the site of a neurological lesion affecting bladder function. However, their clinical usefulness is still uncertain. These more complicated tests are mostly performed in specialized centresand there are sound practical reasons why this should be so. Such studies require expensive equipment and the help of a clinical neurophysiologist. The investigations tend to be uncomfortable for the patient and, as a means of providing information which helps in the planning of effective treatment, they are often disappointing.

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Authors
  1. Clare J. Fowler
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  2. Chris Fowler
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Frenchay Hospital, BS16 1LE, Bristol, UK

    Michael Torrens MB, BS, MPhil, ChM, FRCS (Consultant Neurosurgeon) (Consultant Neurosurgeon)

  2. The Department of Physiology, The Worksley Medical and Dental Building, The University, LS2 9NQ, Leeds, UK

    John F. B. Morrison MB, ChB, BSc, PhD (Reader in Physiology) (Reader in Physiology)

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© 1987 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Fowler, C.J., Fowler, C. (1987). Clinical Neurophysiology. In: Torrens, M., Morrison, J.F.B. (eds) The Physiology of the Lower Urinary Tract. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-1449-9_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-1449-9_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-1451-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-1449-9

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