Neurogenic Bladder

·       Neurogenic bladder occurs when a person lacks bladder control due to a brain, spinal cord or nerve problems. When people have this condition, the nerves and the muscles don’t work together correctly. The muscles are too loose. This means urine passes before the person is ready to go to the bathroom.

Definition

A neurogenic bladder occurs when a person lacks bladder control due to a brain, spinal cord or nerve problems. The nerves in the body control how the bladder stores or empties urine. When problems with these nerves occur, it causes overactive bladder (OAB), incontinence, underactive bladder or obstructive bladder. In people with neurogenic bladder, the nerves and muscles don’t work together as they should. The muscles are too loose. This means the bladder does not fill or empty correctly and urine passes before the person is ready to go to the bathroom.

Symptoms of neurogenic bladder are different for everyone. This is because symptoms depend on the type of nerve damage that occurred. Symptoms can affect your quality of life and make it difficult to get through your day without interruptions. This is why it’s so important to talk to your health care provider about treatment options.

Treatment for neurogenic bladder is based on: 

·       Age 

·       Overall health and medical history 

·       The cause of the nerve damage 

·       The type of symptoms 

·       The severity of symptoms

·       Tolerance for certain drugs, procedures or therapies 

·       Expectation for the course of the condition

If you think you have neurogenic bladder, reach out to your health care team so they can help you find a treatment plan that works for you.