Neurogenic bladder (patient information)

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Editors-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. Associate Editor-In-Chief: Ujjwal Rastogi, MBBS [mailto:urastogi@perfuse.org]

Overview
Neurogenic bladder is a urinary problem in which the bladder does not empty properly due to a neurological condition.

What are the symptoms of Neurogenic bladder?
The specific symptoms depend on the underlying neurological disorder, and may include:


 * Symptoms of overactive bladder:


 * Having to urinate too often in small amounts
 * Problems emptying all the urine from the bladder
 * Loss of bladder control


 * Symptoms of underactive bladder:


 * Bladder becomes too full and you may leak urine
 * Problems starting to urinate or emptying all the urine from the bladder
 * Unable to tell when the bladder is full
 * Urinary retention

What causes Neurogenic bladder?
Several muscles and nerves must work together for your bladder to hold urine until you're ready to empty it. Nerve messages go back and forth between the brain and the muscles that control bladder emptying. If these nerves are damaged by illness or injury, the muscles may not be able to tighten or relax at the right time.

Disorders of the central nervous system commonly cause neurogenic bladder. This can include:

Damage or disorders of the peripheral nerves can also cause neurogenic bladder. This can include:
 * Alzheimer's disease
 * Meningomyelocele
 * Brain or spinal cord tumors
 * Multiple sclerosis
 * Parkinson disease
 * Spinal cord injury
 * Stroke recovery
 * Alcoholic neuropathy
 * Diabetic neuropathy
 * Nerve damage due to pelvic surgery
 * Nerve damage from a herniated disc
 * Vitamin B12 deficiency

Who is at highest risk?
The patient suffering from diseases mentioned above are at highest risk.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Call you health care provider if you:
 * Are unable to empty your bladder at all
 * Have signs of a bladder infection (fever, burning when you urinate, frequent urination)
 * Urinate small amounts, frequently

Diagnosis
Your doctor will run test involving the nervous system and the bladder
 * Urodynamic studies are conducted to measure
 * bladder capacity
 * bladder pressures
 * urine flows
 * bladder emptying.


 * X-ray,MRI & CT to see the skull, spine and urinary tract.
 * EEG(electroencephalogram) to see the brain activity.

Treatment options
Medications may help manage your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend:


 * Medicines that relax the bladder (oxybutynin or propantheline) for overactive bladder
 * Medicines that make certain nerves more active (bethanechol) for underactive bladder
 * Medicines that treat infection (antibiotics) if the bladder problems lead to an infection
 * Your health care provider may also teach you some exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles (Kegel exercises).


 * Learn to recognize the symptoms of urinary infections, such as burning when you urinate, fever, low back pain on one side, and a more frequent need to urinate.

Some people with multiple sclerosis need to use a urinary catheter. This is a thin tube that is inserted into your bladder:


 * You may need a catheter to be in place all the time (indwelling catheter)
 * You may need a catheter to be placed in your bladder 4 to 6 times a day to keep your bladder from becoming too full (intermittent catheterization)

Surgery
Sometimes surgery is needed. Surgeries for neurogenic bladder include:


 * Artificial sphincter
 * Electrical stimulation of the sacral nerve
 * Sling surgery

Where to find medical care for Neurogenic bladder?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Neurogenic bladder

Possible complications

 * Chronic urine leakage can cause skin breakdown and pressure sores
 * Kidney damage may occur if the bladder becomes too full, causing pressure to build up in the tubes leading to the kidneys and in the kidneys themselves
 * Urinary tract infections