The Bulbocavernosus Reflex Latency in Normal Korean Adult Males

Lee, Dong Heon; Suh, Jun Kyu

Abstract

The Bulbocavernous reflex is important in the neurological evaluation of patients with impotence or neurogenic bladder. Classically, this reflex has been elicited and estimated by manual stimulation of glans penis or clitoris. However, it is extremely subjective and minimal degrees of neuronal dysfunction cannot be detected. We have applied electrophysiologic testing technique to quantitative this reflex more objectively and to prepare normal data for the pathologic states. There were 15 adult male subjects without erectile disturbance and neuronal dysfunction studied by the electromyographic testing technique. The stimuli were delivered to the ipsilateral and contralateral penile shaft with a frequency of 1/sec., a pulse duration of 0.5 msec. and averaging of 64. The Results obtained were summarized as follows: 1. Mean BCR latency was 35.6+/-1.6 msec. (28-45 msec.), and showed no statistical difference(p>0.5) among the value of different age groups. Ipsilateral and contralateral responses varied from each other by not > 2 msec. 2. Mean sensory threshold was 20 V (15-25 V), and showed no statistical difference(p>0.5) among the values of different age groups. 3. Mean pain threshold was 45 V (35-80 V), and showed no statistical difference(p>0.5) among the values of different age groups. 4. Mean reflex threshold was 40 V (30-60 V), and showed no statistical difference(p>0.5) among the values of different age groups. 5. In entire age groups, the latency diminished slightly as the stimulating voltage was increased.