Korean J Urol.  1990 Aug;31(4):556-560.

The Value of Bulbocavernosus Reflex Latency and Dorsal Nerve Somatosensory Evoked Potential in Diagnosis of Neurogenic Impotence

• Kim YC
• Choi HK

Abstract

Bulbocavernosus reflex latency (BCRL)and dorsal nerve somatosensory evoked potential (DNSEP)are used widely to diagnose underlying neurogenic disorders. Because these methods evaluate somatosensory nerve system and neurophysiology of the erectile process has not yet been satisfactorily clarified, it could be worthwhile to investigate the validity of these two. The BCRL and DNSEP were recorded in 89 subjects and 18 had abnormal results. Out of 18 patients, 8 and 16 had abnormal BCRL and DNSEP, respectively. Three of 8 patients with abnormal BCRL and six of 16 with abnormal DNSEP were diagnosed psychogenic impotence as confirmed by audiovisual stimulation-penogram and nocturnal penile monitoring. Our study suggests that these methods may not be conformable to establish the diagnosis of neurogenic erectile failure and to use screening test for underlying neurogenic disorders.

Keyword

dorsal nerve somatosensory evoked potential; neurogenic impotence; bulbocavernous reflex latency

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis*
Erectile Dysfunction*
Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory*
Humans
Male
Mass Screening
Neurophysiology
Reflex*