Neuromotor development in nocturnal enuresis

Dev Med Child Neurol. 2006 Sep;48(9):744-50. doi: 10.1017/S0012162206001599.

Abstract

In children with nocturnal enuresis, a higher rate of minor neurological dysfunction has been found. The aim of this study was to assess timed performance (a measure of motor performance speed) and associated movements using a standardized and reliable instrument. The motor function of 37 children with nocturnal enuresis (27 males, 10 females; mean age 10y 7mo [SD 1y 10mo]; age range 8y-14y 8mo) and 40 comparison children without enuresis (17 males, 23 females; mean age 10y 7mo [SD 1y 6mo]; age range 8y-14y 8mo) was assessed using the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment. Children with nocturnal enuresis showed a slower motor performance than comparison children, particularly for repetitive hand and finger movements. This study provides evidence for a maturational deficit in motor performance in children with nocturnal enuresis. In addition to a maturational deficit of the brainstem, it is proposed that there is a possible maturational deficit of the motor cortex circuitry and related cortical areas in children with nocturnal enuresis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Development*
  • Developmental Disabilities / complications
  • Developmental Disabilities / diagnosis*
  • Developmental Disabilities / physiopathology
  • Enuresis / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Cortex / growth & development
  • Motor Cortex / physiology
  • Motor Skills / physiology*
  • Nervous System / growth & development
  • Reaction Time / physiology*
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Task Performance and Analysis