From the Guidelines
Neurogenic bladder is caused by a disruption in the normal communication between the brain, spinal cord, and bladder, resulting in impaired bladder function. The main causes of neurogenic bladder include:
- Spinal cord injuries, such as traumatic injuries or tumors, which can damage the spinal cord and disrupt communication between the brain and bladder 1
- Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke, which can affect the brain's ability to send and receive signals to the bladder 1
- Diabetes, which can damage the nerves that control bladder function
- Infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis, which can inflame the brain and spinal cord and disrupt bladder function
- Certain medications, such as anticholinergics and sedatives, which can affect bladder function
- Congenital conditions, such as spina bifida, which can affect the development of the spinal cord and bladder 1
- Surgery, such as pelvic surgery or spinal surgery, which can damage the nerves that control bladder function
- Tumors, such as bladder cancer or spinal cord tumors, which can compress or damage the nerves that control bladder function
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic bladder, as the underlying cause will determine the best course of treatment 1. Treatment may include medications, such as oxybutynin or tolterodine, to help manage symptoms, as well as lifestyle modifications, such as pelvic floor exercises and bladder training. In some cases, surgery or other interventions may be necessary to manage the condition. Patients with neurogenic bladder due to disorders affecting the central nervous system typically present with signs of urinary frequency, urgency, and bladder overactivity 1.
From the Research
Causes of Neurogenic Bladder
The causes of neurogenic bladder can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Damage to the nervous system, which can be caused by neurologic disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, and spina bifida 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Diseases of the brain, spinal cord, or nerves that result in atypical bladder function 3
- Traumatic injury or vascular lesions of the brain or spinal cord 5
- Loss of supraspinal coordination and unabated reflexes in both autonomic and somatic nervous systems after spinal cord injury 6
Associated Conditions
Neurogenic bladder can be found in patients with various conditions, including:
- Multiple sclerosis 2
- Parkinson's disease 2
- Spinal cord injury 2, 4, 5, 6
- Spina bifida 2
- Traumatic brain injury 5
- Vascular lesions of the brain or spinal cord 5
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of neurogenic bladder involves the disruption of normal neural control of the bladder and urethra, leading to urinary dysfunction 4, 6. This can result in symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence, and retention, which can greatly impact the quality of life of affected individuals 4.