Sexual Dysfunction After Traumatic Injury Can Be Corrected by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Case Report

SOURCE: Archives of Sexual Behavior. 51(8):4195-4199, 2022 Nov.

AUTHORS: Wang X; Kang YT; Li XY; Liu W; Liu ZL; Zheng B; Duan XQ

ABSTRACT: Neurogenic sexual dysfunction (NSD) is a common problem in patients after spinal and pelvic trauma. New treatment is needed beyond medicine or psychological therapies. A 24-year-old man who fell from a six-floor building suffered from subsequent NSD. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was the only method used to treat his NSD caused by multiple spinal and pelvic injuries. The therapy lasted for 3 courses. Motor and sensory conduction, as well as sexual function, were evaluated before and after the rTMS intervention. Improvements on patient’s nerve conduction and sexual activity were confirmed at a 1-year follow-up. Our findings indicate that rTMS delivered a novel, positive and low-cost modality treatment to the patient with NSD. Clinical efficacy and potential mechanisms by which rTMS regulate NSD need to be investigated by further clinical trials.