Neurogenic Bladder
Neurogenic bladder can happen to anyone at any age from newborns to senior citizens.
Neurogenic bladder is typically caused by another condition that affects the communication between the brain and the nerves in the spinal cord that control bladder and bowel function. Several conditions could potentially cause neurogenic bladder, including:
- Spina bifida
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Diabetic neuropathy
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Stroke
- Spinal cord injuries or spinal nerve trauma
- Nerve damage from pelvic/abdominal surgery
Depending on the extent of nerve damage, symptoms will vary. Neurogenic bladder can result in an overactive bladder with minor to severe leakage or incontinence, an underactive bladder that doesn’t release urine as the muscles around the bladder or urethra stay tight rather than relax, or a combination of the two.
Bladder Management and Treatment Options
Some treatment options for neurogenic bladder may include medications, intermittent catheterization, dietary and fluid intake changes, and pelvic floor exercises to name a few.
Always speak with a healthcare provider to select the optimal treatment approach after a careful assessment of bladder symptoms. Options may include:
- Lifestyle changes. Regularly scheduled bathroom breaks, avoiding foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder, and exercises to strengthen the bladder muscle can all help improve bladder control.
- Medications. Your doctor may prescribe medications to improve bladder function.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. Injecting this drug into the bladder muscle can help reduce the frequency of bladder contractions.
- Intermittent catheterization. This may be recommended for difficulty emptying the bladder. Using an intermittent catheter one or more times per day can help control bladder leakage, urgency and frequency, and nighttime urination in people who cannot completely empty their bladder on their own.
- Stimulation therapy. These treatments include sacral neuromodulation (SNS) therapy and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS).
- Surgery. Doctors trained in bladder management may perform bladder reconstructive surgery that may resolve or improve bladder symptoms.
Speaking with a healthcare professional is most important to discuss what options may be best for you.
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