Definition

Neurogenic bladder is a problem with how the bladder works because of a nerve problem. Problems may include:

• Bladder empties too often
• Incontinence—bladder empties at the wrong time.
• Urinary retention—unable to completely empty the urine
• Urine leaks out of the overfilled bladder

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Causes

Neurogenic bladder is caused by damage or injury to the nerves carrying messages between the bladder and the brain. The nerve damage makes it difficult to coordinate when the bladder should empty.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your child's chance of neurogenic bladder include:

• Birth defect that affects the spinal cord, such as spina bifida
• Spinal cord injury
• Tumors of the brain or spinal cord in the pelvic area
• Infection of the brain or spinal cord

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Small amount of urine
• Frequent urination
• Dribbling urine
• Inability to feel that the bladder is full
• Straining during urination
• Inability to urinate
• Overflow of urine from a full bladder
• Painful urination
• Kidney injury from urine backing up into the bladder

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done. You may be asked to keep a diary of how often your child empties his or her bladder and other urinary habits.

Urine and blood tests may be done to help find a cause. Bladder function tests can also show how urine flow is affected.

Imaging tests may also be done to evaluate the bladder and urinary tract. These may include:

• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI scan

Treatment

Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include the following:

Prevention

Most cases of neurogenic bladder cannot be prevented.