Neurogenic bladder FAQ

 

What are the types of neurogenic bladder?

There are two main types of neurogenic bladder, overactive bladder (spastic or hyper-reflexive bladder) and underactive bladder (flaccid or hypotonic bladder). Some people have symptoms of both and this is called mixed neurogenic bladder.

If you have an overactive bladder, you have little or no bladder control, which can cause you to feel the sudden urge to urinate. If you have an underactive bladder, you can’t feel when your bladder is full or that it’s been completely emptied. This causes the bladder to overflow and leak urine (urinary incontinence).

Learn more about the types of neurogenic bladder.

Which doctors treat neurogenic bladder?

Neurogenic bladder is commonly treated by a urologist, a specialist that focuses on diseases of the urinary tract. However, treatment may be a collaborative effort between a urologist, neurologist and a physical therapist since neurological conditions often lead to neurogenic bladder.

Find a urology specialist near you.

What is a common cause of neurogenic bladder?

The specific cause of neurogenic bladder varies from person to person. The most common causes are neurological conditions that interfere with the normal function of the bladder, such as stroke, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS).

How is neurogenic bladder detected?

If your urologist believes that you have a neurogenic bladder, they’ll do a complete physical exam, which includes reviewing your medical history. They may order an X-ray, CT scan or MRI of your skull, spine and bladder. Your doctor may also do a urinalysis, urine culture or a cystoscopy. During a cystoscopy, a thin tube with a camera is inserted through the urethra to view the bladder and urinary tract.

What is involved in neurogenic bladder management?

While neurogenic bladder can’t be cured, it’s easily managed through medication and intermittent catheterization. Some lifestyle changes may also help with neurogenic bladder management.

What lifestyle modifications help neurogenic bladder symptoms?

Your doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications to help manage neurogenic bladder. The most common lifestyle modification is reducing the intake of fluids containing ingredients that can irritate the bladder, including drinks with caffeine such as soda, tea, energy drinks and chocolate drinks.

What is the most common complication from having neurogenic bladder?

While several complications of neurogenic bladder may arise, the most common is urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urine is flushed out of your body when you urinate. However, with neurogenic bladder, urine is not completely emptied. This causes bacteria to grow in the urinary tract and potentially cause an infection.

If left unmanaged, chronic or recurrent UTIs may lead to more serious complications, such as kidney infections (pyelonephritis), which can cause kidney damage.

Which nerves are affected in neurogenic bladder?

Neurogenic bladder can result from damage to the central nervous system or three specific group of nerves, including:

• The sacral region of the spinal cord: This region includes the nerves that control the urge to urinate.
• The hypogastric nerves: These nerves keep urine in the bladder by maintaining the internal muscles that regulate involuntary control of urine flow from the bladder to the urethra.
• The pudendal nerves: These nerves control the external sphincter, which is responsible for voluntarily releasing urine.

Damage to the nerves can be the result of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or diabetes.

Is neurogenic bladder genetic?

Neurogenic bladder isn’t considered a genetic condition. However, types of genetic and congenital conditions, such as spina bifida, can lead to neurogenic bladder. Other genetic conditions that affect the nervous system can indirectly lead to neurogenic bladder.