Neurogenic Bladder - denitfion, symptoms and treatment
What is Neurogenic Bladder and Definition
A condition in which the nerves that control the BLADDER do not work properly, allowing the bladder to be underactive (hypotonic) or overactive (spastic). Damage may occur to the SPINAL CORD AND SPINAL NERVES, BRAIN, or PERIPHERAL NERVES that serve the bladder. Conditions that can cause such damage include traumatic injury, STROKE, degenerative neurologic disorders such as MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S DISEASE, NEUROPATHY of DIABETES and neuropathy of HIV/AIDS, and injury to the nerves of the bladder as a consequence of pelvic surgery (such as PROSTATECTOMY in men or HYSTERECTOMY in women). URINARY INCONTINENCE is the most common consequence of neurogenic bladder.
Neurogenic Bladder Diagnosis
The diagnostic path includes urinalysis, BLOOD tests, and diagnostic imaging procedures such as CYSTOSCOPY, ULTRASOUND, or COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN. The urologist may also perform a voiding CYSTOURETHROGRAM to evaluate the flow of URINE through the urinary system. Electromyogram (EMG) measures the response of the nerves and muscles of the bladder and urethra to mild electrical stimuli. Other tests can measure the capacity and rate of emptying of the bladder.
Neurogenic Bladder Treatment
Treatment targets the underlying cause of the neurogenic bladder when possible. Other treatment measures aim to improve urinary incontinence. The success of the treatment often depends on the underlying cause. Various medications may increase or decrease the bladder’s responses. Surgery is sometimes an option. Though it may take time and much trial and error, most people find acceptable measures for accommodating neurogenic bladder.
See also SPINAL CORD INJURY; TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI); URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI).
