A METHOD OF URONEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION IN CHILDREN

Characteristics and reproducibility of bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) an d pudendal somatosensory evoked potentials (PSEP) elicited by mechanic al stimulation in children were tested. Twenty-five male children aged 5-14 years without uroneurological complaints were enrolled in the st udy. In addition to electrical stimulation, a specially constructed el ectromechanical hammer triggered by an oscilloscope was used for mecha nical stimulation of distal penis. All responses were detected by surf ace electrodes. The latencies and amplitudes of averaged as well as la tencies of single BCR on single and double electrical stimuli were det ermined. Mechanical stimulation was described as much less unpleasant than electrical stimulation. Both mechanical/electrical stimulation el icited consistent and reproducible responses in high percentages of ch ildren (BCR: average, 80%/71%, single, 94%/100%; PSEP: 96%/96%, respec tively). BCR latencies were significantly longer and PSEP amplitudes w ere significantly higher on mechanical stimulation. The compliance wit h mechanical was much better than with the electrical stimulation and the former can be recommended for clinical use. The effective mechanic al stimulus delivered by a particular mechanical stimulator has a char acteristic 'delay' (as to the actual point of triggering the oscillosc ope ray) which influences the latency reading of responses; appropriat e control data are therefore necessary. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Irel and Ltd.