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Comparative Neuroexcitation Patterns Using fNIRS in Women With Overactive Bladder
Linda S Burkett, Mina Ghatas1, Helen Query
1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA.
Urogynecology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|December 23, 2024
Summary
Women with overactive bladder (OAB) show lower prefrontal cortex (PFC) brain activity during high bladder sensation. This suggests reduced inhibitory control in the PFC may contribute to OAB symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Urology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is crucial for controlling the decision to void.
- Dysfunction in the PFC has been linked to overactive bladder (OAB).
- Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers a noninvasive method to assess PFC neuroexcitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare prefrontal cortex (PFC) neuroexcitation in female participants with and without overactive bladder (OAB).
- To investigate PFC activity during natural bladder filling using fNIRS.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional comparison of female participants with OAB and healthy controls.
- Continuous fNIRS signal recording during an oral hydration protocol.
- Simultaneous real-time bladder sensation monitoring and signal analysis for motion artifacts and filtering.
Main Results:
- 14 participants with OAB and 11 controls were analyzed.
- O2Hb levels in all PFC regions were significantly lower in the OAB group during high bladder sensation (P < 0.001).
- OAB participants exhibited constant or decreasing neuroexcitation patterns, unlike controls who showed increasing patterns.
Conclusions:
- Prefrontal cortex (PFC) neuroexcitation is consistently lower in women with overactive bladder (OAB) during high bladder sensation.
- These findings support the PFC's inhibitory role in voiding control.
- Reduced inhibitory control in the PFC may be a contributing factor to overactive bladder (OAB).
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