Neurogenic Bladder

A neurogenic bladder is the condition when the bladder and urethral sphincter muscle (USM) function abnormally due to a nerve or neurologic problem such as spinal cord injury, spina bifida, cauda equina syndrome, multiple sclerosis, stroke, transverse myelitis, brain tumors, cerebral aneurysms, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, multiple system atrophy (MSA), and other degenerative nerve disorders. Because of the neurologic condition where nerves are not communicating properly with the bladder muscle or the USM, this can lead to problems with continence or voiding. Urine leakage (loss of urine control) is a common issue faced by patients, and often occurs when the bladder muscle does not receive the right message and contracts without the patient’s permission. Inability of the bladder to completely empty is another common symptom of neurogenic bladder. Urine retention often happens if the bladder muscles do not receive a signal from the nerve to contract, or if the USM does not receive the signal to relax during voiding. The ability for the patient to sense bladder fullness or to feel urine flow during voiding varies depending on the type of neurologic condition he/she has. While counter intuitive, some neurogenic bladder patients have frequent sensations to urinate even with low bladder volumes. The symptoms of neurogenic bladder can resemble other conditions and medical problems, so it is always recommended to consult your physician for a diagnosis.