Treatment of Neurogenic Bladder
Treatment of Neurogenic Bladder
USA Today Health Scout
Treatment is aimed at enabling the bladder to empty completely and regularly, preventing infection, controlling incontinence, and preserving kidney function.
A urinary catheter can be used continuously by patients who have sudden, unexpected bladder contractions. Women usually fare better with such therapy; men are more prone to develop urinary tract infections and complications, including abscess formation.
Patients suffering from bladder paralysis can be taught to insert a catheter several times a day to drain the bladder completely and so prevent urine retention that may led to bladder stones and infection. Various medications may help improve bladder muscle control and prevent involuntary muscle contractions. Muscle relaxants, antispasmodics and anticholinergic drugs are also helpful.
Bethanechol is the most commonly prescribed drug to help stimulate bladder contractions in patients who retain urine. Surgery may be performed to widen the sphincter to decrease resistance in the bladder outlet and thus maximize bladder emptying. In other cases, the sphincter or lower pelvic muscles may be surgically tightened to improve bladder control. In very severe cases, surgery may be done to reroute the flow of urine so that it empties into an externally worn receptacle.
