Neurogenic bladder treatment
What is Neurogenic Bladder?
Neurogenic bladder is a condition that occurs when the normal nerve pathways responsible for controlling bladder function are disrupted or damaged. This impairs the ability of the bladder to store and empty urine properly, leading to various urinary symptoms and complications. Neurogenic bladder can result from various neurological disorders or injuries affecting the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves.
Causes of Neurogenic Bladder
• Spinal cord injuries: Traumatic injuries disrupt nerve pathways controlling bladder function.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS): Affects central nervous system, including bladder control nerves.
• Parkinson's disease: Degeneration of nerve cells affects bladder control nerves.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can cause nerve damage, potentially affecting bladder function.
• Stroke: Brain damage impairs bladder control nerve signals.
• Spinal cord tumors or lesions: Growths or abnormalities in the spinal cord can compress or damage bladder control nerves.
Symptoms of Neurogenic Bladder
• Urinary incontinence: Inability to control urination, leading to leakage or unintentional voiding.
• Urinary retention: Difficulty in emptying the bladder, increasing risk of urinary tract infections.
• Urinary frequency or urgency: Uncontrollable urge to urinate more frequently.
• Nocturia: Nighttime wakefulness to urinate.
• Loss of bladder sensation: Difficulty in recognizing urinate need due to impaired bladder sensations.
Diagnosis of Neurogenic Bladder
• Medical history and physical examination: Doctors review symptoms, medical history, and physical examination to assess nerve function and bladder control.
• Urinalysis and urine culture: These tests rule out urinary tract infections or other underlying conditions.
• Bladder function tests: Urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, and post-void residual measurement evaluate bladder function and identify neurogenic causes.
• Imaging tests: MRI or CT scans visualize brain, spinal cord, or other structures affecting bladder control.
• Neurological tests: EMG or nerve conduction studies assess nerve damage or dysfunction.
Types of Neurogenic Bladder
• Overactive Bladder: Caused by uninhibited bladder contractions due to nerve damage.
• Underactive Bladder: Impairs bladder contractions due to nerve damage.
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• Acontractile Bladder: Complete loss of bladder muscle function, leading to urinary retention and inability to empty the bladder voluntarily.
Adverse Effects of Neurogenic Bladder
• Increases risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Causes kidney damage due to chronic urinary retention or high bladder pressure.
• Leads to bladder stones due to stagnant urine
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• Causes skin irritation, rashes, and potential skin breakdown if untreated.
Diet in Neurogenic Bladder
• Stay hydrated: Adequate fluid intake can prevent bladder stones or urinary tract infections.
• Limit bladder irritants: Reduce intake of caffeine, alcohol, and spicy/acidic foods.
• Promote regular bowel movements: Consume a high-fiber diet and stay hydrated to maintain regular bowel movements.
• Consider cranberry supplements: These may prevent urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacterial adherence to the bladder walls.
• Combining dietary changes with appropriate medical treatment is recommended for effective management.