Neurologic evaluation of erectile dysfunction

Urol Clin North Am. 1988 Feb;15(1):77-80.

Abstract

Most patients with neurogenic impotence present with a pre-existing neurologic disease. The neurologic assessment in these patients is generally performed to confirm that the underlying neuropathology plays a role in the erectile dysfunction. There are patients, however, with no obvious pre-existing neuropathology who are identified as having a vibratory impairment of the dorsal nerve on penile biothesiometry. Subsequent neurophysiologic testing in several of these patients has confirmed unsuspected neuropathology. An objective evaluation of autonomic cavernosal neurointegrity is still awaited. Such a test may enable the detection of efferent denervation resulting in neurogenic erectile dysfunction that is not clinically obvious.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / drug effects
  • Afferent Pathways / physiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Efferent Pathways / drug effects
  • Efferent Pathways / physiology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / physiopathology
  • Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurologic Examination / methods
  • Penile Erection / drug effects
  • Penis / drug effects
  • Penis / innervation*
  • Physical Examination / methods