Neurogenic bladder is a condition where a person is unable to control their bladder due to a brain, spinal cord, or nerve problem. There are a variety of potential causes of neurogenic bladder, including:
- Diabetes
- Heavy metal poisoning
- Infection of the brain
- Infection of the spinal cord
- Major pelvic surgery
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal cord injury
- Spina bifida (condition in which the spinal cord doesn’t properly develop)
- Stroke
Signs and symptoms of neurogenic bladder vary depending on the underlying condition that is causing the problem. Signs and symptoms can include:
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Incontinence (leaking urine and not being able to control urine)
- Increased urinary frequency, urgency, or overactive bladder
- Needing to urinate many times overnight
- Not being able to empty the bladder fully
- Only being able to produce a dribble of urine at a time
Treatments
Lifestyle Modifications
Your urologist may recommend that you make certain lifestyle modifications – such as scheduling urination and adjusting your diet – to try to reduce symptoms related to neurogenic bladder.
Medicines
Your doctor may prescribe medicines that can help decrease the bothersome symptoms of neurogenic bladder.
Surgery
In more extreme cases of this condition, your urologist may recommend you undergo a surgical procedure – such as placing an artificial sphincter (artificial device that is implanted to help regulate the flow of urine), placing a urinary diversion (surgical procedure that reroutes urine from its usual path when a condition prevents the normal flow of urine), or doing a bladder augmentation (surgical procedure to increase the capacity of the bladder) – to help control your neurogenic bladder.
Tests
Physical Exam
Your urologist will perform a comprehensive physical exam – including gathering a medical history – in order to diagnose neurogenic bladder.
Bladder Diary
Your urologist may ask you to keep a bladder diary, in which you will record each time you use the restroom during the day and how often you leak urine.
Pad Test
In this test, you will wear a special pad in your underwear that changes color when you leak urine. This helps your urologist learn more about your bladder-leaking problem.
Urine Culture
Your urologist may order a urine culture to check for infection or blood related to your neurogenic bladder problems.
Why Choose UHealth?
Innovative, expert urology care at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute. Our team of urology experts delivers advanced care for all urologic conditions. We use the latest research and the least invasive procedures to help you feel better and recover more quickly. Our experienced urologists design a personalized treatment plan to give you the best possible results.
Leaders in robotic surgery treatment. We have some of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons for urologic procedures. In fact, doctors come from all over the world to learn at our Urology Robotic Program — the #1 ranked program in South Florida. The University of Miami Health System was the first academic medical center in the world to get the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system and has completed more than 5,000 robotic surgeries — procedures that offer less pain and scarring and a faster recovery.
Multidisciplinary approach to care. Your team works closely with doctors in radiology, pathology, medical oncology, and other specialties for prompt, accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. You have a team of experts on your side.
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