Electrical stimulation of the conus medullaris for bladder emptying in a paraplegic

Nashold et al. (1972) have developed a surgically implantable system for activating the micturition reflex in the paraplegic by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord at the conus level. This communication describes the long-term course in a paraplegic patient who has used conus stimulation to achieve bladder emptying for 7 years. A 42-year-old man sustained a complete transverse lesion at the C6 level. Ten months after the accident he developed some spasticity in his legs but his urinary bladder remained completely flaccid. A device for electrical stimulation of the conus was implanted. This enabled the patient to empty his bladder without significant residual urine. His bladder remained flaccid. Seven years after the implant he developed reflex micturition and he is no longer dependent upon electrical stimulation.