Neurogenic Bladder 

A neurogenic bladder is one made overactive or underactive by a neurological condition. 

Whether a neurological condition is the effect of an injury, a developed medical condition or a birth defect, your bladder and bowel can be affected. A neurogenic bladder’s ability to communicate with the brain and spinal cord nerves is impaired, which can result in a loss of control of your urination. 

Causes of Neurogenic Bladder 

Spina bifida, cerebral palsy, sacral agenesis and similar congenital defects can cause neurogenic bladder, as they all affect the spinal cord and can weaken motor skills. But neurogenic bladder is more often brought on by other means. Many people develop the condition as a side effect from other medical conditions, including: 

• Stroke 
• Multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease and other nervous system diseases 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Complications following surgeries 
• Tumors 

It is also possible to develop neurogenic bladder through erectile dysfunction or metal poisoning. 

Symptoms of Neurogenic Bladder 

Being unable to control your urination is a direct result of a neurogenic bladder. This can lead to overactivity, which can consist of the following symptoms: 

• Frequent urination 
• Feeling a strong need to urinate 
• Painful urination 
• Weak urinary streams 
• Urinary tract infection
• Urinary incontinence, or the inability to hold it in 

Diagnosing Neurogenic Bladder 

Several scans and tests of the bladder and nervous system are used to diagnose a neurogenic bladder. These methods include: 

• X-rays 
• CT scans 
• MRI 
• Urodynamic studies 
• Cystoscopies 

Treating Neurogenic Bladder 

There are many ways to treat a neurogenic bladder, some of which include lifestyle changes that can be implemented immediately. Watching what you eat and drink, losing weight and undergoing behavioral treatment can help you regain control of your urination. 

But other patients may need more treatment to resolve their issues. The urologic specialists at Tampa General Hospital can utilize and prescribe other treatment methods in such cases. These options include: 

• Medications 
• Catheterization 
• Surgery, including bladder augmentation 
• Botox® injections 

Patients at TGH who require surgery can benefit from the da Vinci SP system, which uses advanced robotic technology to make many procedures—even complex ones—as minimally invasive as possible.