Efficacy of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in the management of overactive bladder symptoms in adults with multiple sclerosis

Author(s): K. L. Sloan and C. Carus - Pages: 7-19

Abstract

Overactive bladder symptoms are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The benefits of supervised pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) can be limited because of the nature of the disease pathology, and the undesirable side effects that are commonly associated with the use of anticholinergic medication. An increasing body of evidence suggests that transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) may be effective in reducing the symptoms of overactive bladder for both neurological and non-neurological patients. Therefore, the aim of this literature review was to evaluate whether TTNS is an effective treatment option for patients with overactive bladder symptoms and MS. A detailed search of the relevant databases was completed and four publications were identified. The inclusion criteria were: adults > 18 years; academic journals published between 2011 and 2021; and publications in English. The findings were that TTNS reduces lower urinary tract symptoms and improves health-related quality of life in relation to urinary symptoms, but is not superior to PFMEs. Conversely, it is recommended as a viable option for individuals who feel that they have exhausted the possibilities of conservative treatment. Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation has been trialled successfully with the absence of adverse events, and is reportedto be well tolerated as a patient-led treatment. However, more research is required in order to determine the benefits of its long-term use.

Interview with the author

POGP Jounal subcommittee member Gráinne Donnelly interviews Author Katie Sloan about her paper coming up/published in the Autumn edition of the JPOGP 2022 titled 'insert title (il fwd it after this email I'm so limited on my phone" and learns about how the paper came about, what she found and what this means for clinical practice. This interview really helps to translate research into practice and is a must listen.