Our Approach to Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder)
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can access exceptional care for neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (neurogenic bladder). As a global leader in urogynecology, we are an academic-based, referral site serving our community and the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.
Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for urology according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. We are leaders in minimally invasive laparoscopic, robotic and incisionless endourologic surgery for the most complex urologic conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full range of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies.
When you need neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (neurogenic bladder), turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from Healthwise’s health information library.
What is Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder)?
The bladder is a hollow organ located in the pelvis or lower abdomen. Its two primary functions are to store and release urine from the body in response to signals from the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Neurogenic bladder (neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms) refers to the loss of bladder function resulting from injury to or disease of the CNS. This can result in overactive or underactive bladder function, leaking urine or inability to empty your bladder.
Causes of Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder)
Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder) are caused by conditions that affect the nervous systems control of the bladder. Causes include:
- Birth defects that affect the spinal cord, such as spina bifida, sacral agenesis, cerebral palsy
- Diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, stroke, and diabetes
- Infections of the brain or spinal cord
- Spinal cord injuries, surgeries, or other trauma
Signs & Symptoms of Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder)
Neurogenic Bladder
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Difficulty passing a bowel movement
- Inability to sense or feel when the bowel is full
- Nausea
- Stool leakage or fecal incontinence
- Dribbling urine
- Inability to urinate
- Urinary frequency and urgency
- Urinary leakage
Diagnosing Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder)
Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder) is diagnosed with a comprehensive physical exam and review of your personal and family medical histories. Additional diagnostic tests include:
Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder)
- Cystoscopy
- Urodynamics tests
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- X-rays
Treating Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder)
Treatments for Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Neurogenic Bladder)
Neurogenic Bowel
Treatment requires a routine bowel management program, including regularly scheduled procedures to remove stool from the rectum in order to prevent complications including constipation, bowel blockage and infections. In addition, treatment includes dietary and lifestyle changes and prescription medications. Surgical treatments include colostomy surgery and surgery to create a stoma, (or hole), which can be used to flush water into the top of your bowel.
Neurogenic Bladder
Treatment is aimed at preventing kidney damage and can include:
- Lifestyle changes: avoiding diets that can irritate the bladder
- Control of other medical problems that may affect the bladder function
- Emptying the bladder with a catheter at regular times
- Medications
- Bladder botox injections
- Placement of an electrical device to stimulate or slow bladder activity
- Surgical procedures to enlarge the bladder, remove a portion of the weak sphincter muscle or create an opening in the belly (stoma) for the urine to drain