J G Previnaire1, J M Soler2, M S Alexander3,4,5, F Courtois6, S Elliott7, A McLain3. 1. 1Spinal Unit, Centre Calve, Fondation Hopale, 62600 Berck-sur-Mer, France. 2. Centre Bouffard Vercelli, 66290 Cerbere, France. 3. 3Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA. 4. 4Birmingham VA Medical Center Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA. 5. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Harvard School of Medicine Boston, Boston, MA USA. 6. 6Departement of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC Canada H2L 2C4. 7. 7Department of Psychiatry and Urologic Sciences & ICORD, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) affects sexual response based on the level and degree of completeness of injury. By using the International Standards for the Neurologic Classification of SCI in conjunction with lumbo-sacral reflexes these effects can be predicted. The International Standards for the Assessment of Autonomic Function after SCI (ISAFSCI) document the impact of SCI on sexual responses including psychogenic and reflex arousal (erection or lubrication), orgasm, ejaculation, and sensation of menses. Responses are described based upon a 0 to 2 scale with 0 being absent, 1 altered, and 2 normal response. Additionally, the lesion is described as supraconal, conal or infraconal. CASE PRESENTATION: We present 4 representative cases of the impact of SCI on sexual responses and course of treatment. Case 1 describes a complete supraconal lesion above T6 with upper motor neuron syndrome. Case 2 describes a supraconal complete lesion including the T11-L2 segment. Case 3 describes an infraconal (cauda equina) lesion with lower motor neuron syndrome. Case 4 is theoretical and describes a supraconal lesion above T6 with upper motor neuron syndrome, partial sensation in T11-L2 dermatomes, and other medical comorbidities. DISCUSSION: Neurologic examination combined with reflex testing allows prediction of sexual responses after SCI. It would be useful for version 2.0 of the ISAFSCI to assist clinicians in determining the anticipated changes, whether their patients are functioning as anticipated sexually after SCI or whether other concerns also require treatment.
INTRODUCTION: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) affects sexual response based on the level and degree of completeness of injury. By using the International Standards for the Neurologic Classification of SCI in conjunction with lumbo-sacral reflexes these effects can be predicted. The International Standards for the Assessment of Autonomic Function after SCI (ISAFSCI) document the impact of SCI on sexual responses including psychogenic and reflex arousal (erection or lubrication), orgasm, ejaculation, and sensation of menses. Responses are described based upon a 0 to 2 scale with 0 being absent, 1 altered, and 2 normal response. Additionally, the lesion is described as supraconal, conal or infraconal. CASE PRESENTATION: We present 4 representative cases of the impact of SCI on sexual responses and course of treatment. Case 1 describes a complete supraconal lesion above T6 with upper motor neuron syndrome. Case 2 describes a supraconal complete lesion including the T11-L2 segment. Case 3 describes an infraconal (cauda equina) lesion with lower motor neuron syndrome. Case 4 is theoretical and describes a supraconal lesion above T6 with upper motor neuron syndrome, partial sensation in T11-L2 dermatomes, and other medical comorbidities. DISCUSSION: Neurologic examination combined with reflex testing allows prediction of sexual responses after SCI. It would be useful for version 2.0 of the ISAFSCI to assist clinicians in determining the anticipated changes, whether their patients are functioning as anticipated sexually after SCI or whether other concerns also require treatment.
Authors: Steven C Kirshblum; Stephen P Burns; Fin Biering-Sorensen; William Donovan; Daniel E Graves; Amitabh Jha; Mark Johansen; Linda Jones; Andrei Krassioukov; M J Mulcahey; Mary Schmidt-Read; William Waring Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2011-11 Impact factor: 1.985
Authors: Marcalee S Alexander; Peter W New; Fin Biering-Sørensen; Frederique Courtois; Giulio Del Popolo; Stacy Elliott; Carlotte Kiekens; Lawrence Vogel; Jean G Previnaire Journal: Spinal Cord Ser Cases Date: 2017-08-10
Authors: Jean Marc Soler; Jean Gabriel Previnaire; Pierre Plante; Pierre Denys; Emmanuel Chartier-Kastler Journal: J Sex Med Date: 2008-04-15 Impact factor: 3.802
Authors: Carol S Palackdkharry; Stephanie Wottrich; Erin Dienes; Mohamad Bydon; Michael P Steinmetz; Vincent C Traynelis Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-09-30 Impact factor: 3.752