Electromyography

Pelvic floor muscles involved in anorectal function, such as in lower urinary tract and sexual functions, share physiological properties with other muscular districts, although with some peculiarities. Neural control of these muscles is complex, working through the pudendal nerve and its terminal branches, the sacral spinal centers, the motor and sensory tracts, and the central brain control centers. The functional integrity of this system can be studied with several electrodiagnostic techniques characterized by partial invasiveness and reliability of results, becoming needful for a correct diagnosis. Moreover, the standard neurophysiological equipment used to test the limbs and trunk might not be appropriate for urogenital-anal studies requiring specific basic knowledge and skills by neurologist. In patients with suspected neurogenic etiology diseases, pelvic floor neurophysiology provides information about the pathogenesis of the disorder (axonal or demyelinating), the anatomical level of lesion, and the extension and kind (acute, chronic) of the lesion.