The Effect of Functional Magnetic Stimulation Therapy in Patients with Overactive Bladder

Jang, Sang Woong; Jeong, Young Beom

Abstract

PURPOSE: There have only been a few reports concerning the treatment of choice for overactive bladder (OAB). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) in patients with an overactive bladder.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Among the demonstrable overactive bladder patients, 21 were selected. They were classified into neuropathic and idiopathic OAB according to their etiology. Voiding diary, quality of life (QOL) questionnaire and urodynamic studies were evaluated before treatment. The treatment was performed for 20 minutes, 2 times a week, for 6 weeks. All of the evaluations were repeated immediately and 3 months after treatment. The treatment outcomes were evaluated for both the neuropathic and idiopathic groups.
RESULTS
The overall mean age was 44.0+/-18.6 years. After 6 weeks of treatment, the mean frequency in the idiopathic group significantly decreased from 13.0+/-2.3 to 9.7+/-2.1 times (p<0.05). The mean urgency episodes in the neuropathic and idiopathic groups decreased from 11.3+/-7.5 and 4.5+/-5.8 times to 8.5+/-6.2 and 3.0+/-4.3 times, respectively. Significant improvements were noted in the frequency, mean voided volume, maximal voided volume and QOL in the idiopathic group, which were maintained for 3 months (p<0.05). There were improvements in the symptoms and QOL in the neuropathic group also, but these were minimal.
CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that the FMS therapy has, at least, a short-term effect on idiopathic OAB. To our knowledge this is the first report on FMS therapy for neuropathic OAB. Although its acute effect on neuropathic OAB was minimal, there was some improvement in the QOL. Therefore, in our opinion, further studies are needed to establish the long-term efficacy of FMS therapy in patients with symptoms of OAB.