[Electrophysiological studies of chronic pelvic and perineal pain].
OBJECTIVE
To describe electrophysiological studies, what they investigate, and their contribution and limitations in the assessment of pelvic and perineal pain.


METHODS
Description of the electrophysiological techniques generally used to evaluate somatic nerves of the pelvic and perineal region (analytical electromyography, nerve conduction velocities, reflexology), their applications and the difficulties of interpretation.


RESULTS
Electrophysiological studies can demonstrate signs in favour of peripheral neuropathy, specify the axonal and/or demyelinating type of lesion, and provide topographic arguments on the type of trunk or nerve root involved (pudendal nerve, sacral nerve roots, ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric nerve, genitofemoral nerve, obturator nerve).


CONCLUSIONS
Electrophysiological studies require a technically skilled operator and can provide a better understanding of some types of pain, but are not sufficiently sensitive and specific. The conclusions of electrophysiological study reports must be closely correlated with clinical findings.
Centre fédératif de pelvipérinéologie et clinique urologique, CHU de Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France. jjlabat@chu-nantes.fr
J-J
JJ
Labat
D
D
Delavierre
L
L
Sibert
J
J
Rigaud
D002908:Chronic Disease; D004576:Electromyography; D055724:Electrophysiological Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010502:Perineum