Enuresis and Hyperventilation Response in the EEG

Abstract

Enuretic children (420) aged 4-15 yr and 100 controls were examined by EEG to determine their hyperventilation response, which is considered to be a nonspecific sign of brain dysfunction or of cortical instability as a result of delayed maturation. An increased hyperventilation response occurred mainly among children with primary enuresis (bed-wetters from birth). This was true even if the children had a uropathy. It was also common among the children with pathological EEG at rest. The results for those with secondary enuresis (later onset) were similar to the controls. Disturbed cerebral control of the bladder is apparently an important factor in primary enuresis. Psychological factors are thought to account for the occurrence of secondary enuresis.