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Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Tool to Induce Plasticity in Pathways Relevant for Extinction Learning
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Published on: August 21, 2015

Central nervous system abnormalities in vaginismus.

Emma Frasson1, Alessandra Graziottin, Alberto Priori

  • 1Department of Neurology, ULSS15 Cittadella Hospital, Via Riva Ospedale, Cittadella, 35013 Padua, Italy. efrasson@ulss15.pd.it

Clinical Neurophysiology : Official Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
|December 17, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Vaginismus is linked to heightened central nervous system (CNS) excitability, indicated by increased muscle activity and altered nerve reflexes. These neurophysiological changes suggest CNS involvement in this condition.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gynecology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Vaginismus is a condition characterized by involuntary pelvic floor muscle contractions.
  • Altered central nervous system (CNS) excitability may play a role in the pathophysiology of vaginismus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate potential alterations in CNS excitability in women with vaginismus.
  • To compare neurophysiological measures between patients with vaginismus and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Electromyography (EMG) of levator ani (LA) and external anal sphincter (EAS) muscles.
  • Assessment of bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) and pudendal-nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs).
  • Evaluation of SEP recovery functions using a paired-pulse paradigm at various interstimulus intervals (ISIs).

Main Results:

  • Patients with vaginismus exhibited increased resting EMG activity and reduced inhibition during straining.
  • The BCR showed significantly larger amplitude and longer duration in patients compared to controls.
  • Cortical SEPs demonstrated altered recovery patterns in patients, suggesting hyperexcitability.

Conclusions:

  • Vaginismus is associated with enhanced EMG activity and hyperexcitability of the cortical SEP recovery cycle and BCR.
  • These neurophysiological abnormalities indicate concurrent CNS changes in vaginismus.
  • The findings suggest a neurobiological basis for vaginismus beyond localized pelvic floor dysfunction.