Electrical stimulation for incontinence in myelomeningocele

Urinary incontinence is the most obvious urinary tract complication in children with myelomeningocele. Incontinence is owing to a hyperreflexic (spastic) bladder and/or pelvic floor weakness, which responds to functional electrical stimulation. Of 33 incontinent children the criteria for functional electrical stimulation were absent in 21 because of denervation of the pelvic floor muscles. Of 6 children who used functional electrical stimulation 5 had a successful result. However, incontinence recurred in 3 of the 5 patients between 6 and 18 months after functional electrical stimulation treatment was completed and they are awaiting repeat treatment.