Treatment for Over active bladder / Urinary frequency and Urgency
Percutaneous Nerve Stimulation/Acupuncture with Electrical Stim
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is a non-surgical treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) that uses electrical impulses to stimulate the tibial nerve in the leg and block abnormal bladder signals:
- How it works
A thin needle is inserted into the ankle near the tibial nerve and connected to a battery-powered stimulator or Tens unit. The Tens Unit sends mild electrical impulses that travel through the tibial nerve to the sacral nerve plexus, which controls bladder function. The impulses block abnormal signals from the bladder and prevent bladder spasms.
- Procedure
The procedure is done in an office and involves 12 weekly treatments, each lasting about 30 minutes. Patients typically feel a pulsing, tingling, or vibrating sensation around the leg or foot during the procedure.
- After treatment
After the initial 12 treatments, patients typically only need treatment once a month, but some may be able to go several months between sessions.
- Benefits
PTNS can significantly increase voided volume and reduce urge incontinence episodes per day.
