Mechanically evoked bulbocavernosus reflex and pudendal somatosensory responses in children

Electrophysiological investigations of sacral functions are unpleasant and as such rarely performed in children. A novel approach is presented: bulbocavernosus reflex and pudendal cortical somatosensory evoked potentials were studied on mechanical stimulation of the penis and compared with their electrically evoked counterparts in 21 (5-14 years old) boys. An electromechanical hammer was used and only surface electrodes applied. Children preferred mechanical stimulation which also evoked reliable responses in more boys. Reflex responses on mechanical stimulation were found to be of longer latency, however no latency differences between cortical evoked responses to either stimulation were found. We suggest the use of mechanical stimulation in uroneurophysiological testing of children.