Understanding Neurogenic Bladder: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Neurogenic Bladder

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Neurogenic bladder refers to a condition in which neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, affect the bladder. Depending on the nerves involved, the bladder may become either overactive (spastic) or underactive (flaccid). When the bladder is spastic, its mucles contract too much, causing urge incontincecee, meaning the person has to used the toilet all the time. If the bladder is flaccid, a signal is sent to the brain when the bladder is full, but the muscles won’t contract, causing difficulty to urinate. Then, urine builds up in the bladder and may cause overflow incontinence, meaning the urine keeps leaking. Causes for neurogenic bladder include neurological conditions such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, injury to the spinal cord, central nervous system tumors, heavy metal poisoning or spinal surgeries.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of neurogenic bladder include weak urinary stream, frequent and urgent urination, painful urination and never fully emptying the bladder.

Diagnosis

Neurogenic bladder is diagnosed upon findings in medical history, physical examination, and tests to evaluate the bladder function and its characteristics such as urodynamic tests, cystoscopy, bladder US and pelvic MRI scan.

Treatment

Self- catheterization is often indicated, in which the patient empties his own bladder. Different medications are suggested, depending if the bladder is overactive or underactive. Botox injections to the bladder or urinary sphincters is another common treatment. Sometimes, surgical procedures may be needed such as cystoplasty or ileal conduit (urine stoma).

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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