Effect of Electroacupuncture Treatment on Bladder Function and Urodynamic Features of Neurogenic Bladder in Stroke: A Retrospective Study

Background: Neurogenic bladder dysfunction is a common consequence of stroke, and it substantially impacts the quality of life and functional independence of affected individuals. Traditional treatment modalities have limitations in achieving optimal outcomes. This study aims to explore the effects of electroacupuncture treatment on bladder function and neurogenic bladder urodynamic characteristics in stroke patients.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 100 stroke patients with neurogenic bladder admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to October 2023 to compare traditional treatment (n = 51) with electroacupuncture treatment (n = 49). Baseline characteristics, urodynamic parameters, bladder function parameters, bladder symptoms, quality of life assessments, adverse events and patient satisfaction were collected from medical records and compared between the two groups.

Results: No significant difference was observed in age, sex distribution, body mass index, duration of stroke and alcohol intake between the two groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the traditional treatment group, the electroacupuncture group showed significant improvements in urodynamic parameters such as maximum cytometric capacity, detrusor pressure at maximum capacity, postvoid residual volume, bladder compliance, maximum flow rate and average flow rate, and the differences were significant between groups (p < 0.05). The electroacupuncture treatment group showed a significant reduction in bladder symptoms such as frequency of micturition and incontinence episodes (p < 0.001) and a significant improvement in cognitive function and social return function (p < 0.05). The incidence rates of urinary tract infection, haematuria, skin allergy and treatment discontinuation in the electroacupuncture treatment group (6.12%, 2.04%, 4.08% and 12.24%, respectively) were significantly lower than those in the traditional treatment group (23.53%, 27.45%, 29.41% and 35.29%, respectively) (p < 0.05). The patient satisfaction score in the electroacupuncture treatment group (97.96%) was significantly higher than that in the traditional treatment group (70.58%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Electroacupuncture has certain clinical value and holds promise as an adjunctive treatment for neurogenic bladder dysfunction in stroke patients.