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Related Experiment Videos

Dissociation between electrical and mechanical bulbocavernosus reflexes.

Gerard Amarenco1, Samer Sheikh Ismael, Beatrice Bayle

  • 1The Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Urodynamic and Neurophysiology Laboratory, Hôpital Rothschild, Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France. gerard.amarenco@rth.ap-hop-paris.fr

Neurourology and Urodynamics
|November 5, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Mechanical bulbocavernosus reflex (MBCR) effectively assesses neurological function, offering a viable alternative to electrical stimulation for evaluating urinary disorders. This method shows promise as a screening tool for suspected neurological conditions.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Urology
  • Clinical Electrophysiology

Background:

  • The bulbocavernosus reflex is crucial for assessing sacral nerve function.
  • Evaluating reflex pathways is essential for diagnosing neurological disorders affecting lower motor neurons.
  • Comparing mechanical and electrical stimulation methods can refine diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To record and compare left and right bulbocavernosus reflex motor responses using mechanical stimulation.
  • To compare mechanical bulbocavernosus reflex (MBCR) with electrical bulbocavernosus reflex (EBCR) in normal subjects and patients with neurological diseases.
  • To assess the utility of MBCR as a diagnostic tool for neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Mechanical bulbocavernosus reflex (MBCR) elicited by direct stimulation of the penis or clitoris.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Electrical bulbocavernosus reflex (EBCR) evoked by stimulating the dorsal nerve of the penis or clitoris.
  • Recording bulbocavernosus muscle contractions on both sides using needle electrodes in 22 normal subjects and 25 patients with neurological diseases.

    • Main Results:

    • Normal subjects showed excellent reproducibility of MBCR with minimal left-right latency difference (mean 2 msec).
    • In the neurological group, 22 EBCR and 19 MBCR responses were abnormal.
    • Mean reflex latencies were significantly longer in patients with neurological lesions compared to controls (P < 0.0001).

    Conclusions:

    • Mechanical bulbocavernosus reflex (MBCR) is a promising alternative to electrical stimulation for evaluating urinary disorders with suspected neurological causes.
    • MBCR can be a valuable screening test for neurological conditions affecting sacral reflexes.
    • While effective, the potential for false negatives with MBCR necessitates careful interpretation and consideration as a screening tool.