Interstim® Neurostimulation Therapy

 How It Works

Neurostimulation is a reversible treatment that uses an implantable device that sends mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves. Interstim can be discontinued at any time by turning off or removing the device. It sends mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves. Located near the tailbone, the sacral nerves control the bladder and the muscles related to urinary function. If the brain and sacral nerves don’t communicate correctly, the nerves can’t tell the bladder to function properly. This communication problem can lead to symptoms of overactive bladder. Neurostimulation targets these symptoms by stimulating the sacral nerves with mild electrical impulses.  

Neurostimulation may help you resume normal activities, and help you avoid frustrating experiences associated with overactive bladder.

Neurostimulation is an option for managing the symptoms of overactive bladder for people who have not found success with more conservative treatments.

What do nerves have to do with overactive bladder?

The sacral nerves are involved in the control of the bladder and muscles related to urinary function. A breakdown of communication between the sacral nerves and the brain can lead to problems with storing and voiding urine. 

What are the benefits of neurostimulation?

Neurostimulation may reduce symptoms for many people who suffer from overactive bladder. Neurostimulation is reversible and can be discontinued at any time by turning off or removing the device. Many people with neurostimulation have reported:

• Improved quality of life 
• Freedom to live without worry of leaks

How long has neurostimulation for OAB been around?

Medtronic neurostimulation was FDA-approved in 1997 for urge incontinence and in 1999 for urinary retention and significant symptoms of urgency-frequency.

What are the potential side effects or complications of neurostimulation?

Side effects may include implant site pain, skin irritation, infection, device problems, and lead (thin wire) movement. These conditions were generally resolvable in a clinical study.

As with any medical treatment, neurostimulation may cause you to experience some of these less common side effects:

• Interactions with certain other devices or diagnostic equipment
• Undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function
• Uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling)

In most cases, these issues can be resolved, so talk to your doctor about your experience.

For additional information, please visit the Medtronic Interstim website: