Neurogenic Bladder Treatment
Neurogenic bladder can be congenital or caused by another condition and can greatly affect bladder control.
Neurogenic bladder is a condition characterized by an inability of the nerves in the urinary system to properly carry messages from the brain and spinal cord. These nerves normally work together with muscles to hold and release urine at the proper time, and when they don’t function properly, a variety of issues can arise. Patients with neurogenic bladder can experience either an overactive or underactive bladder.
Many conditions can cause neurogenic bladder, including:
- Spina bifida
- Cerebral palsy
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal cord injuries
- Trauma/accidents
- Central nervous system tumors
What Are the Benefits of Neurogenic Bladder Treatment?
Neurogenic bladder can greatly affect an individual’s quality of life, as they may need to deal with urinary incontinence, frequent urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Proper treatment can address these issues while also helping the patient avoid kidney damage.
Treatment Details
There are a wide variety of options for treating neurogenic bladder, including:
- Medications to help improve bladder function
- Intermittent catheterization to drain urine
- Botox injections to relax the bladder muscle
- Bladder augmentation surgery
- Placement of an electrical device to stimulate or slow bladder activity
- Placement of a cuff around the neck of the bladder to control urine flow
- Surgery to remove kidney stones or other blockages
- Lifestyle changes to avoid foods and drinks that irritate the bladder
What to Expect With Neurogenic Bladder Treatment
If you’re suffering from symptoms of neurogenic bladder, you will likely be asked to undergo a variety of tests so a proper diagnosis can be made and a treatment plan can be developed. These can include bladder function tests, a cystoscopy to examine the inside of your bladder, X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI.
How Effective Is the Neurogenic Bladder Treatment?
The main goals of neurogenic bladder treatment are to help the patient avoid kidney damage and to eliminate urinary incontinence so the patient can stop using pads or adult diapers. With a proper treatment plan, patients can see a significant improvement in their quality of life.
Tampa General Hospital treats a wide range of urological conditions, from infections and incontinence to tumors and urological cancers. We offer advanced testing services and a range of surgical and nonsurgical treatments, allowing us to tailor each patient’s treatment plan to their individual needs.