The normal function of the bladder is to fill and secrete urine in a coordinated and controlled manner. This coordination activity is regulated by the central and peripheral nervous system. Neurogenic bladder is an abnormality of bladder function due to nervous system disorders. The term Neurogenic bladder does not refer to a specific diagnosis or indicate its etiology, but rather indicates a disorder of urological function due to neurological disorders.
What is a neurogenic bladder?
Neurogenic bladder bladder is a condition of loss of bladder control due to disorders of the brain, spine, or nerves. Damage to the nerves can make the bladder too active or even less active.
The process of urine discharge is controlled by the brain. When the bladder starts to full, the brain sends signals to the bladder nerves so that the surrounding muscles contract. Contraction of the bladder muscles leads to discharge of urine.
In patients with bladder diseases, there is a problem of sending signals so the process of urine discharge is also disrupted. If left untreated, the condition can trigger other problems such as bladder disease, urinary tract infections, and kidney damage.
There are various ways that can be taken to overcome the neurogenic bladder. Some methods are intended to train bladder function. If that doesn’t work, your doctor may suggest bladder surgery to improve its function.
Neurogenic Bladder Causes
The neurogenic bladder is caused by the brain’s inability to give commands to the bladder and vice versa, resulting from problems experienced by the nervous system in the spinal cord. The problem can be caused by injury, disease, or abnormality. One of the causes of problems in the spinal cord is Parkinson’s disease, injury to the spinal cord, stroke, tumors in the brain or on the spinal cord, congenital birth defects that affect the spinal cord, encephalitis, hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and multiple sclerosis.
Other conditions, such as nerve damage, vitamin B12 deficiency, and nerve damage due to diabetes, syphilis, and excessive alco**hol consumption can also lead to the occurrence of neurogenic bladders.
Neurogenic Bladder Risk factors
The following factors may increase neurogenic bladder tendencies:
- Women
- Old age
- Overweight
- Family history
- Smo**king
Neurogenic Bladder Symptoms
A neurogenic bladder causes you to lose control of your ability to urinate. This condition can cause you to urinate too much or be dissatisfied when urinating, both of which can have dangerous consequences.
Symptoms of neurogenic bladder include:
- Urine dripping during urination
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
- Straining when urinating
- Loss of bladder control
- Increased urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Leaking urine
- Difficulty determining when the bladder is full.
Neurogenic Bladder Diagnostic Tests
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect neurogenic bladders:
- Urodynamic studies: To measure how much urine the bladder can accommodate, pressure inside the bladder, how well the urine flows, and how well the bladder empties when it is full
- Cystoscopy: To examine the inside of the bladder and urethra
- Physical examination: To focus on your stomach and genitals
- Urine sample test: To test for infection, traces of blood or other abnormalities
- Neurological examination: To identify sensory problems or abnormal reflexes
- X-rays: To indicate the marked bladder distance
- Computed tomography (CT): To examine the inside of the bladder and urethra
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To show thickening of bladder walls and seminal vesicles
Neurogenic Bladder Prevention
The following healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of neurogenic bladder:
- Maintain a healthy and ideal weight.
- Do physical activity and exercise regularly.
- Limit caffeine and alco**hol consumption.
- Quit smo**king.
- Manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes, which may contribute to neurogenic bladder symptoms.
Neurogenic Bladder Treatment
Some ways that can be done to overcome neurogenic bladder, among others:
- Installation of a catheter to remove urine
- Triggers to urinate, for example by pressing on the lower abdomen in people with overactive bladders.
- Sufferers are encouraged to drink enough and limit their intake of calcium in food to prevent stones from forming in the urinary tract.
- Exercises to tighten the pelvic floor muscles (Kegel exercises).
- Record the time and amount of urine excreted, so it can be known when the bladder should be emptied.
- Kidney function needs to be monitored regularly
- Learn to recognize the symptoms of urinary tract infections, such as heat during urination, fever, lower back pain on one side, and increased frequency of urination. Seek immediate treatment if symptoms arise.
- Surgery, can be done in certain rare cases. Surgery is performed to
- Make another way to remove urine
- Installing tools to stimulate bladder muscles.
Source:
- Image: Sheldahl, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Video: Study Material for Nursing
