The inability to control your bladder can lead to numerous uncomfortable situations. You may think it easier to stay inside rather than face the prospect of a potentially embarrassing situation, leading to a decline in your social life. However, doctors and specialists at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are ready to help you improve your bladder function and return you to an active and healthy life.
Neurogenic bladder is a urologic condition in which a person is not able to control their bladder.
Trauma, certain diseases of the brain and spine, such as spina bifida and cerebral palsy, or problems at birth can damage the nerves of the bladder, disrupting the messages that flow back and forth between brain and bladder.
This disruption creates neurogenic bladder, in which the bladder might:
Symptoms of neurogenic bladder vary depending on the person and reason for nerve damage. However, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or an overactive or underactive bladder, make an appointment with a physiatrist to test for neurogenic bladder.
One possible complication of neurogenic bladder is renal (kidney) disease. Renal disease is often silent, allowing health problems to develop with no outward symptoms, leading to:
Other complications or symptoms that can arise due to neurogenic bladder include urinary tract infections (UTI’s) and pressure sores.
The doctors at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) use many testing methods to diagnose and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. They partner with the experts at the Department of Urology.
Tests for diagnosing neurogenic bladder may include:
There are a variety of treatments available to help manage neurogenic bladder. Treatment plans may include:
Your physician will work alongside you to provide the best course of action to manage your neurogenic bladder.
Our experts decide on the best treatment regimen based on your:
Call 1-800-533-8762 to make an appointment with a doctor from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.