Neurogenic Bladder
Overview of Neurogenic Bladder
Neurogenic bladder (اعصابی نظام میں فعل کی بناء پر مثانہ کی استعداد کار کو ختم ہو جائے) is a medical condition in which the person suffers from poor performance of the bladder due to nervous system issues. A person tends to suffer from a neurogenic bladder due to several conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease. The best possible treatment options for neurogenic bladder are drug therapy and surgery.
Signs and Symptoms of Neurogenic Bladder
Given below are some of the most common symptoms of neurogenic bladder:
- A persistent urinary tract infection
- The inability to urine control
- Frequent urination
- Urine dribbling
- Kidney stones
- A small volume of urine during voiding
- Loss of feeling that the bladder is full
Types of Neurogenic Bladder
There are four types of neurogenic bladder:
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Atonic Bladder
Atonic bladder refers to a bladder whose muscles are unable to properly contract. This makes the process of urination tough for the patient.
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Hyper-Reflexive Bladder
It is a bladder disease in which the person suffers from urine frequency, urine incontinence as well as urgency.
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Uninhibited Bladder
This medical condition arises if the person has suffered from a stroke or a brain tumor.
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Sensorimotor Paralytic Bladder
The sensorimotor paralytic bladder is a condition in which the person’s bladder is unable to empty their bladder.
Causes of Neurogenic Bladder
Neurogenic bladder is a disease in which the causes and risk factors collide. Some of the possible causes of the neurogenic bladder are:
- Diabetes
- Miscellaneous infections
- Heavy metal poising
- Certain birth defects that affect the spinal cord
- Tumors of the brain or spinal cord
- Genetic nerve problems
- Serious accidents that are affecting the brain or spinal cord
Risk Factors of Neurogenic Bladder
Factors that increase your chances to suffer from the neurogenic bladder are:
- Nerve or spinal cord conditions such as spinal cord tumor or Spina Bifida
- Diabetes
- Stroke
Neurogenic Bladder Health Complications
If left untreated neurogenic bladder can give rise to the following health complications.
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Leakage of Urine
When the nerve muscles are unable to convey the message, the patient may suffer from urine leakage.
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Urine Retention
When the nerve pathway is damaged, the bladder is not able to pass out urine.
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Damage To The Kidney Vessels
When the bladder is holding the urine, this puts additional pressure on the kidneys. The person might also suffer from blood in the urine.
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Urinary System Infections
When the urine is held for too long by the body and it then passes out. It can result in kidney infections.
Factors that increase your chances to suffer from the neurogenic bladder are:
- Nerve or spinal cord conditions such as spinal cord tumor or Spina Bifida
- Diabetes
- Stroke
Neurogenic Bladder Health Complications
If left untreated neurogenic bladder can give rise to the following health complications.
-
Leakage of Urine
When the nerve muscles are unable to convey the message, the patient may suffer from urine leakage.
-
Urine Retention
When the nerve pathway is damaged, the bladder is not able to pass out urine.
-
Damage To The Kidney Vessels
When the bladder is holding the urine, this puts additional pressure on the kidneys. The person might also suffer from blood in the urine.
-
Urinary System Infections
When the urine is held for too long by the body and it then passes out. It can result in kidney infections.
Prevention
There is no concrete preventive measure for neurogenic bladder. People who have diabetes are able to delay the problem by maintaining their level of blood sugar.
Apart from that make sure that you wear seatbelts all the time so that the onset of injuries and accidents can be decreased.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of neurogenic bladder starts with an examination of the brain, spinal cord as well as bladder. Some other diagnostic tests for neurogenic bladder are:
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X-Rays
Invisible energy beams are used to visualize the tissues, bones, and organs.
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Ultrasound
In ultrasound tests, high-frequency sound waves are used to create organ images on a computer screen.
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Cystoscopy
The doctor will insert a viewing tube through the patient’s urethra to properly assess the urinary tract. This also provides a diagnosis for tumors or blockages.
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Tests for Bladder Capacity
These tests assess how much the bladder can hold and whether or not it is able to empty itself completely.
Treatment of Neurogenic Bladder | When to Consult a Doctor
Depending upon the cause of neurogenic bladder, the following are some of the best treatment methodologies:
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Medicines
OAB drugs are administered through the skin or are given orally. These medicines make sure to relax the overactive bladder. Antibiotics are also given to reduce the chances of infection.
(Note: Take medications only after doctor's prescriptions)
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Surgery
It is an invasive procedure that is used to remove blockages or stones from the urinary system.
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Botox Injections
These injections are administered directly to the muscles of the urethra. This drug prevents frequent contraction of your bladder muscles. This is a short-lived treatment because the effects of the drugs may wear off after some time. You need to revisit this treatment after every 6 months.
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SNS Therapy
When no other lifestyle or medicinal treatment is working, the doctor may prescribe this method. Sacral nerves manage the signals between the spinal cord and the bladder. The surgeon places a thin wire in close proximity to these nerves. A small battery is placed under your skin and the wire is connected to that battery.
This therapy aims to stop the signals that are responsible for the overactive bladder.
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Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation
PTNS is an invasive method that involves a needle insertion in the tibial nerves. The needle is then connected to a device that can send electrical signals. This provides the impulses to travel from the tibial nerves to the sacral nerve.
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Urinary Diversion Surgery
This procedure involves the opening of a stoma on the belly. The catheter is then passed through the stoma so that the bladder can be emptied. The urine is collected in an external pouch that is placed on the stoma.
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Sphincter Resection
This surgical process involves the removal of the weak portion of the urethral sphincter. If the situation is worse then the entire muscle is removed.
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Bladder Augmentation
A part of the intestine is removed and is then attached to the bladder. This increases the overall capacity of the bladder to store more urine.