Neurogenic bladder occurs when nerve signals between the brain and bladder are disrupted, leading to bladder dysfunction. Depending on the type of nerve damage, neurogenic bladder can cause:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) – Frequent, uncontrollable urges to urinate.
• Underactive bladder (UAB) – Difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
• Urinary incontinence – Loss of bladder control leading to urine leakage.

Common Symptoms of Neurogenic Bladder:

• Frequent urination (more than 8 times per day).
• Dribbling urine or incomplete bladder emptying.
• Difficulty initiating urination or weak urine flow.
• Loss of sensation of bladder fullness.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to urine retention.
• Bladder or kidney stones from chronic urine retention.

If left untreated, neurogenic bladder can lead to kidney damage, recurrent UTIs, and severe urinary complications.

Neurogenic bladder is caused by damage to the nervous system, disrupting communication between the bladder and brain.

Common Causes Include:

• Spinal cord injuries – Trauma that affects nerve signals controlling the bladder.
• Neurological conditions – Multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can impact bladder function.
• Congenital birth defects – Conditions like spina bifida can interfere with bladder nerve signals from birth.
• Pelvic tumors – Tumors pressing on nerves can affect bladder control.
• Brain or spinal cord tumors – These can impair nerve function and disrupt bladder control.

Certain factors increase the risk of developing neurogenic bladder, including:

• Spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders.
• Diabetes – Can cause nerve damage affecting bladder function.
• Pelvic surgery or trauma – Procedures that may damage bladder nerves.
• Aging – Age-related nerve deterioration can contribute to neurogenic bladder.

Treatment for neurogenic bladder depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and individual patient needs. At Northwest Urology, we offer a comprehensive approach to help restore bladder function and prevent complications.

1. Medications
   • Anticholinergic medications (oxybutynin, tolterodine) to relax the bladder and reduce urgency.
   • Beta-3 agonists to improve bladder capacity.
2. Bladder Training & Behavioral Therapy
   • Timed voiding techniques to train the bladder to empty at scheduled intervals.
   • Pelvic floor exercises to strengthen bladder control.
   • Dietary modifications to reduce bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods).
3. Catheterization
   • Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) to empty the bladder when nerve function is impaired.
   • Indwelling catheters or suprapubic catheters for severe cases.
4. Electrical Stimulation & Botox Therapy
   • Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) – A small device implanted to regulate bladder nerve signals.
   • Botox injections – Temporarily relaxes overactive bladder muscles to improve control.
5. Surgery (for Severe Cases)
   • Bladder augmentation – Increases bladder capacity using intestinal tissue.
   • Urinary diversion surgery – Creates an alternative way for urine to exit the body if the bladder is non-functional.

If untreated, neurogenic bladder can lead to serious health complications, including:

• Kidney damage due to chronic urinary retention.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) from incomplete bladder emptying.
• Urinary leakage (incontinence) affecting quality of life.
• Bladder stones or kidney stones from stagnant urine.

Early treatment is critical to prevent these complications and improve bladder function.