Neurophysiology of the striated urethral sphincter in multiple sclerosis

Urethrovesical dysfunction is common in patients with multiple sclerosis. We present the results of urodynamic and neurophysiological studies in a series of 24 patients with multiple sclerosis associated with urinary symptoms. Urethral sphincter electromyography showed only minor abnormalities but studies of central conduction demonstrated abnormal sensory conduction in 88% and abnormal motor conduction in 80% of the patients studied. These abnormalities of central conduction correlated well with the urodynamic findings.