title: The effect of spinal cord stimulation on function in patients with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Eleven patients with static or slowly progressive multiple sclerosis were treated with continuous spinal cord stimulation via epidural electrodes for a minimum of two weeks. An extensive battery of objective tests was used to assess results. Significant improvement in urinary bladder function was seen in 2 of the patients with a lesser degree of improvement in 4 others and reduction of lower limb spasticity in 6 patients. Five additional patients selected for these disabilities were then treated with further evidence of improvement in bladder function in 4 and in lower limb spasticity in 2. It is suggested that benefit results from inhibition of excessive spinal reflex activity.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D004576:Electromyography; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D009068:Movement; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009129:Muscle Tonus; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000628:therapy