A neurogenic bladder stands for a lack of bladder control due to a dysfunction of nerves affecting afferent or efferent signaling. These nerves carry messages between the bladder and spinal cord, and direct the holding and release of urine. When the nerves fail to function, the symptoms of neurogenic bladder develop, which is the condition that affects millions of people around the world.
Function of the bladder
Several nerve mechanisms regulate urine storage and bladder emptying. As urine fills the bladder, volume increases and urine is retained as long as pressure in the bladder remains lower than pressure within the urethra.
Sympathetic nerves assist in the storage of urine by inhibiting parasympathetic nerves that would trigger bladder …show more content…
This process is normally consciously controlled, except in infants. A problem in any part of the nervous system may disrupt the voiding cycle of the bladder.
Injuries
Injury or damage to the nerves is a primary cause of neurogenic bladder. Some conditions or diseases of the body can result in nerve damage and, subsequently, neurogenic bladder. Examples of such conditions are diabetes, heavy alcohol use, vitamin B12 deficiency, neuropathy, and syphilis. The nerves can also be damaged directly, as from pelvic surgery, a herniated disk, or spinal canal stenosis.
The manifestation of neurogenic bladder varies depending on the site of nerve injury. Brain lesions above the level of the pons (a part of the brainstem) disrupt conscious control of the voiding reflex, but the reflex itself remains intact. This results in symptoms of frequent voiding of small volumes, and difficulties in holding the urine. Some types of brain lesions that can cause this type of neurogenic bladder are a brain tumor, stroke, and trauma.
Spinal cord lesions can lead to overactive bladder with urge incontinence. Trauma, tumors, and ischemia are examples of conditions that can injure the spinal cord leading to neurogenic
Function of the bladder
Several nerve mechanisms regulate urine storage and bladder emptying. As urine fills the bladder, volume increases and urine is retained as long as pressure in the bladder remains lower than pressure within the urethra.
Sympathetic nerves assist in the storage of urine by inhibiting parasympathetic nerves that would trigger bladder …show more content…
This process is normally consciously controlled, except in infants. A problem in any part of the nervous system may disrupt the voiding cycle of the bladder.
Injuries
Injury or damage to the nerves is a primary cause of neurogenic bladder. Some conditions or diseases of the body can result in nerve damage and, subsequently, neurogenic bladder. Examples of such conditions are diabetes, heavy alcohol use, vitamin B12 deficiency, neuropathy, and syphilis. The nerves can also be damaged directly, as from pelvic surgery, a herniated disk, or spinal canal stenosis.
The manifestation of neurogenic bladder varies depending on the site of nerve injury. Brain lesions above the level of the pons (a part of the brainstem) disrupt conscious control of the voiding reflex, but the reflex itself remains intact. This results in symptoms of frequent voiding of small volumes, and difficulties in holding the urine. Some types of brain lesions that can cause this type of neurogenic bladder are a brain tumor, stroke, and trauma.
Spinal cord lesions can lead to overactive bladder with urge incontinence. Trauma, tumors, and ischemia are examples of conditions that can injure the spinal cord leading to neurogenic