Neurogenic Bladder

Neurogenic bladder causes you to lose control over your ability to pass urine. This may cause frequent urination or decreased urination and retention, both of which are harmful to the body.

Problems:

• Poor stream when urinating

• Unable to fully empty your bladder

• Straining during urination

• Loss of bladder control

• Increased urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Urinary leak

• Difficulty determining when your bladder is full.

What Causes the Neurogenic Bladder?

Neurogenic bladder is a condition caused by the nerves along the pathway between the bladder and the brain not working properly. This can be due to a brain disorder or bladder nerve damage.

Examples of brain disorders that can cause neurogenic bladder include:

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Tumors of the brain or spinal cord

• Multiple sclerosis

• Parkinson’s disease

• Injury to the spinal cord

• Spinal cord birth defects, such as spina bifida

• Stroke

Conditions that affect the bladder muscles include:

• Diabetes, which can cause nerve damage

• Long-term alcohol abuse

• Pelvic surgery, which can cause nerve damage

• Spinal nerve damage

Complications of Neurogenic Bladder:

Because this condition causes you to lose the sensation to urinate your bladder can fill beyond typical capacity and leak. But your bladder may not empty fully. This is called urinary retention. Urinary retention increases yosk of a UTI. Infection can result when urine remains in your bladder or kidneys for too long. Frequent urinary tract and kidneur riy infections can lead to damage over time. This can ultimately lead to kidney failure, which can be fatal.

Neurogenic Bladder Diagnosis:

In addition to reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam, your doctor may recommend a variety of diagnostic tests to determine if you have neurogenic bladder. These may include: • A cystometrogram to test bladder function and capacity • An electromyography to test bladder muscle tone and coordination • Spinal and brain imaging • Kidney and bladder imaging

How Is Neurogenic Bladder Treated?

Urinate at regular intervals, which will prevent your bladder from becoming too full. Keep a journal to record any leakage incidents. Kegel exercises and pelvic floor muscle strengthening.

Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Another treatment option is electrical stimulation therapy. This therapy involves placing small electrodes on the bladder. When stimulated, the electrodes can send impulses to the brain, telling it you need to urinate.

Medications

There are no medications to treat or control neurogenic bladder specifically. However, some medications can reduce or enhance muscle contractions. These help to ensure proper emptying of the urinary tract.

Catheterization

In some instances, catheterization may be required to ensure complete bladder emptying. This painless process involves inserting a thin plastic tube into the bladder to release urine. However, this procedure carries the risk for increased UTIs.

Surgery

Surgery for neurogenic bladder is the last option. Few surgeries to prevent the leak and few to prevent complications or handle the complications cause due to neurogenic bladder are performed.