Effects of inhibitory rTMS on bladder function in Parkinson's disease Patients

Patients affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD)may present with lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunctioncharacterized by involuntary detrusor overactivity. Weevaluated possible impact of a 2-week course of low fre-quency 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS) on LUT behavior in eight advanced PD patientscomplaining of urinary disturbances. We tested the effectsof rTMS measuring urodynamic examination and theInternational Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) question-naire, used for evaluation of subjective LUTS. rTMS wasable to improve temporarily LUT behavior in PDpatients, increasing bladder capacity and the first sensa-tion of filling phase. Moreover, a reduction of IPSS scorewas noticed, due to an improvement on filling phasesymptoms. The beneficial effects assessed with the IPSSlasted for up to 2 weeks after the end of the stimulation.rTMS seems to be an effective, noninvasive alternativetreatment for PD patients with urinary disturbancesPatients affected by Parkinson's disease (PD) may present with lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction characterized by involuntary detrusor overactivity. We evaluated possible impact of a 2-week course of low frequency 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on LUT behavior in eight advanced PD patients complaining of urinary disturbances. We tested the effects of rTMS measuring urodynamic examination and the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) questionnaire, used for evaluation of subjective LUTS. rTMS was able to improve temporarily LUT behavior in PD patients, increasing bladder capacity and the first sensation of filling phase. Moreover, a reduction of IPSS score was noticed, due to an improvement on filling phase symptoms. The beneficial effects assessed with the IPSS lasted for up to 2 weeks after the end of the stimulation. rTMS seems to be an effective, noninvasive alternative treatment for PD patients with urinary disturbances. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society