But it is currently offered to only 100 or so patients every year – in hospital and usually under general anaesthetic. Experts estimate some treatments, such as electrical stimulation devices that target the nerves in the bladder and bowel, are offered to just one per cent of sufferers. 'But if they do get referred for treatment, they are often stuck at the bottom of a list behind cancer patients.' Botox contains a medical form of botulinum toxin, the chemical produced by the bacteria that causes botulism food poisoning. This includes implanting sacral nerve stimulators, which work by sending electrical pulses to nerves in the tailbone, regulating the bladder or bowel muscles.

Source: The Nation April 24, 2021 21:56 UTC