Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS)
for Overactive Bladder

Treatment of Tibial Nerve Stimulation would be beneficial to those who may suffer from side effects of other treatments or medications, do not want to perform self-catheterization or prefer a non-drug or non-surgical treatment option for OAB.

Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder, also called OAB, causes a frequent and sudden urge to urinate that may be difficult to control.

The condition creates a significant psychological burden on patients and surgery often seems a drastic approach.

However, the posterior tibial nerve is easily accessible for stimulation as it runs behind the medial malleolus. It can be stimulated in two ways:

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) an allopathic technique that uses acupuncture and electrostimulation in order to address the tibial nerve and improve its functionality.
Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS), which requires just a basic TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine and standard electrodes.

TTNS

TTNS involves stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve, a sensory-motor nerve originating from L4-S3, which contributes directly to bladder control. Stimulating this nerve is a form of neuromodulation and works by inhibiting reflex bladder contractions. This in turn can increase bladder storage capacity and reduce the sensation of urgency.

Two electrodes are placed on the medial ankle overlying the posterior tibial nerve, and specific parameters are set on the TENS machine. Patients can use TTNS at home daily for 12 weeks, for 30 minutes each session.

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