Neurogenic bladder is a problem in which a person lacks bladder control due to a brain, spinal cord, or nerve condition.
Neurogenic detrusor overactivity; NDO; Neurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction; NBSD
Several muscles and nerves must work together for the bladder to hold urine until you are ready to empty it. Nerve messages go back and forth between the brain and the muscles that control bladder emptying. If these nerves are damaged by illness or injury, the muscles may not be able to tighten or relax at the right time.
Disorders of the central nervous system commonly cause neurogenic bladder. These can include:
Damage or disorders of the nerves that supply the bladder can also cause this condition. These can include:
The symptoms depend on the cause. They often include symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Symptoms of overactive bladder may include:
Symptoms of underactive bladder may include:
Medicines may help manage your symptoms. Your health care provider may suggest:
Your provider may refer you to someone who has been trained to help people manage bladder problems.
Skills or techniques you may learn include:
Learn to recognize the symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as burning when you urinate, fever, low back pain on one side, and a more frequent need to urinate. Cranberry tablets may help prevent UTIs.
Some people may need to use a urinary catheter. This is a thin tube that is inserted into your bladder. You may need a catheter to be:
Sometimes surgery is needed. Surgeries for neurogenic bladder include:
Electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve in the leg may be recommended. This involves placing a needle into the tibial nerve. The needle is connected to an electrical device that sends signals to the tibial nerve. The signals then travel up to the nerves in the lower spine, which control the bladder.
Eric Rovner is an Urologist in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Rovner has been practicing medicine for over 32 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Neurogenic Bladder. He is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Urinary Incontinence, Stress Urinary Incontinence, Neurogenic Bladder, Uterine Prolapse, and Endoscopy. Rovner is currently accepting new patients.
Stephanie Kielb is an Urologist in Chicago, Illinois. Kielb has been practicing medicine for over 27 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Neurogenic Bladder. She is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Neurogenic Bladder, Urinary Incontinence, Ochoa Syndrome, Stress Urinary Incontinence, and Hernia Surgery. Kielb is currently accepting new patients.
Robert Oconnor is an Urologist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Oconnor has been practicing medicine for over 25 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Neurogenic Bladder. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Neurogenic Bladder, Urinary Incontinence, Urethral Stricture, Sacral Nerve Stimulation, and Cystectomy. Oconnor is currently accepting new patients.
If you are having urinary incontinence, organizations are available for further information and support.
Complications of neurogenic bladder may include:
Contact your provider if you:
Summary: This study will incorporate critical cross viscero-visceral intersystem interactions to 1) investigate in a controlled laboratory setting and then with mobile at-home monitoring the extent, severity, and frequency of occurrence of autonomic dysreflexia with respect to daily bladder and bowel function, in conjunction with identifying potential underlying mechanisms by examining urinary biomarkers f...
Summary: Bladder dysfunction is one of the most important factors influencing duration and quality of life in children with spinal cord injury. Effective bladder control comprises a major aspect of a child's life with SCI and is especially challenging due to the rapid changes in a child's physical and cognitive development. Urological consequences secondary to a neurogenic bladder are responsible for many ...
Published Date: April 25, 2022
Published By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Chapple CR, Osman NI. The underactive detrusor. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 118.
Goetz LL, Klausner AP. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. In: Cifu DX, ed. Braddom's Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 20.
Panicker JN, DasGupta R, Batla A. Neurourology. In: Jankovic J, Maziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 45.