Treatment of neurogenic bladder

Neurogenic bladder is located in the pelvis area. It is a hollow organ which stores urine when it is full and once the bladder is full sends across the urge to urinate & empty the bladder without any leakage.

Causes of neurogenic bladder

Some of the very common causes of neurogenic bladder are Parkinso's disease, spinal cord injuries, stroke, erectile dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, tumors in the central nervous system, diseaseas which affect the nervous system, heavy metal poisoning, spinal congenital abnormalities etc. Diseases like diabetes, polio and syphilis too can lead to underactive bladder.

Apart from failure in controlling urination, those suffering from neurogenic bladder may have frequent urination, strain/ inability in urinating, dribbling urinating system and or urinary tract infection.

Treatment for neurogenic bladder

This condition is usually treated through physical-psychological method, drug therapy, electrical stimulatory, intermittent self-catheterization. Surgery is the last option to cure this condition. The method of treatment depends on symptoms as well as the extent to which the nerve has been damaged.

In physical-psychological therapy, the patient is required to maintain a voiding diary to record the amount and time of liquid intake, number of times he urinated and whether leakage happened at any time. Along with exercises and will power the patient is trained to control his bladder and gain control over his urination. In drug therapy, antispasmodic drugs along with antidepressants is administered to bring down muscle spasms and produce contractions. In case of post-menopausal females Estrogen intake is recommended.

Electrical-stimulatory therapy, on the other hand, electrodes and small stimulator are placed on particular nerves and a minor surgical process is conducted. This stimulator delivers electrical impulses which imitate the functioning of the normal nerves. In intermittent self-catheterization, catheters are inserted in the patient's bosdy through urethra and into the bladder so that urine is drained. Catheters prevent the swelling of the bladder as the urine is continoulsy drained into a bedside collector. This process requires the patient to follow strict sanitary procedures so that urinary tract infection is avoided.

Those who suffer from neurogenic bladder have to make certain changes in daily lifestyle. For example they need to control the fluid intake so that there is minimal stress on the bladder. The intake of liquids thus needs to be in small quantities throughout the day, instead of large quantity at a stroke. Likewise spicy food needs to be avoided and beverages like tea, coffee along citric fruits also needs to be avoided as much as possible. Exercises which strengthen the pelvic muscles (kegel exercise) needs to be done by the patient.

With proper care and exercises neurogenic bladder can be treated. For more information on this treatment you can visit www.psrihospital.com or call at +91 11 30611700.