Print

Print


I recently asked for some information on incontinence and
Parkinson's.  I received some excellent information.  One
treatment for urinary incontinence came from a web search.
An electrical stimulation device for the Sacral nerve.
Since this is something that acts on the nervous system,
does anyone know if this will cause comlications such as
tremors?  The news release is below.  I went to the medical
school web site and the urology department had an entry, but
housed no on-line information.  Anyone familiar with this
treatment?
ves shirley



  Incontinence Treatment

  A new high-tech treatment may help solve the
  embarrassing problem of incontinence for some
  patients. The Sacral Nerve Stimulation System, a new
  treatment for incontinence, recently became approved
  for general clinical use in the United States. This
  device works a lot like a heart pacemaker. It
  stimulates the sacral nerve, helping patients control
  their bladders.

  Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
  say this device is best suited for patients whose
  incontinence has disrupted their lives but who haven't
  seen improvement from other incontinence treatments,
  like dietary changes, medication and biofeedback. For
  these patients, leaving home can be traumatic because
  they always have to know where the nearest bathroom
  is, and they can seldom enjoy activities like going out
  to dinner or to a movie.

  To be considered for the nerve stimulation system,
  patients must undergo testing. Their kidneys and
  ureters must function normally, and their bladders must
  be capable of holding a normal amount of urine.
  Patients also must respond well to tests stimulating the
  sacral nerve. More than half the patients in clinical
  trials reported that their symptoms improved by 90
  percent with the nerve stimulation. Responses vary by
  individual, and it may take up to six months to notice
  an improvement. There are only a few places in the
  country that currently offer this treatment. Talk to your
  doctor to see if it's right for you and to find a place
  where you can be treated.




 Other Topics


 Health Watch is intended to provide general information
only and should not
 replace the advice of a medical professional. You should
contact your physician if
 you have questions about any of these topics.

 Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and
Publications & the
 Library at
 UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.