Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)

What is PTNS? 

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is a treatment that does not require surgery. It helps people who have problems:

• needing to pee often.
• feeling like they must go to the bathroom right away.
• leaking urine. 

20 to 30% of school age kids have these symptoms. These problems can happen when the bladder and nerves are not working right. PTNS can help kids and teens who do not get better with other treatments. 

How is it done? 

A doctor or nurse puts a tiny needle near the ankle and close to a nerve called the tibial nerve. The needle is connected to a small machine that sends gentle electrical signals during PTNS. 

Does it hurt? 

It might feel like a quick poke when the needle goes in. After that, the treatment does not hurt. 
Our urology team will help your child feel comfortable. We can use a fun activity to distract or other ways to make it easier if needed. 

How does it work? 

The tibial nerve runs up the leg. It connects to nerves that help control the bladder. This helps block nerve messages that cause the bladder problems. 

PTNS usually starts with 12 visits, one each week. Each visit takes about 30 minutes. Most people need extra visits after these first treatments to keep feeling better. 

Talk with your child’s urology provider if you are interested in PTNS.