title: Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Overactive Bladder (OAB) accounts for 40-70% cases of incontinence. The etiology is unknown though detrusor instability is found in urodynamic evaluation of almost all cases. Detrusor instability or hyperreflexia can be inhibited by direct inhibition of impulses in the pre-ganglionic afferent neuron or by inhibition of bladder pre-ganglionic neurons of the efferent limb of micturition reflex. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is based on the gate control theory of abolishing the local micturition reflex arc.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effectiveness and safety of TENS in idiopathic OAB.
  
  
  METHODS
  It is a prospective experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of TENS v/s placebo in reducing OAB symptoms. (n1=20, n2 =20). Ten treatment sessions (5 sessions/week) of 30 minutes, were conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant improvement in Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores (OABSS) in TENS group and 2 patients were completely dry following TENS therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In elderly women, patients with OAB where other co-medications have their own anticholinergic side effects and impairment of cognition is a concern, TENS can be a useful intervention. TENS units are safe, economical and easily commercially available.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saveetha Medical College , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
authors.forename: Nidhi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Tutor, Department of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
authors.forename: Kaja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rekha
authors.affiliation: Head of the Department, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saveetha Medical College , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
authors.forename: Krishnamurthy Jayashree
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Srinivasan
keywords: Detrusor instability; Gateway control; Urinary incontinence