[Neuropathy due to stretching of the internal pudendal nerve and female urinary incontinence]

Abstract

For many years, perineal neurogenic abnormalities associated with stress urinary incontinence have been described using electromyography examination, evoked potentials or neuromuscular biopsy. It has been suggested that the progressive denervation of the striated pelvic sphincter musculature that occurs in genuine stress incontinence is due to repeated stretch injury of the innervation of these muscles when the pelvic floor diaphragm is weak. New investigations such as perineal nerve motor latency confirmed this hypothesis. A real "perineal stretch neuropathy" may be described. It is very important to know about this neurogenic factor before considering rehabilitation therapy.