Loading icon
Health Information Center

Neurogenic Bowel

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Neurogenic Bowel

(Bowel, Neurogenic)

Definition

Neurogenic bowel occurs when the body has problems storing and removing stool from the intestines. It happens due to a problem with the nervous system.

Intestines.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Normal Anatomy of the Large and Small Intestinehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=28472847exh5601.jpgNormal Anatomy of the Large and Small IntestineNULLjpgNormal Anatomy of the Large and Small IntestineNULL\\filer01\Intellect\images\exh5601.jpgCopyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.17NULL2002-10-012914592847_638464Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Digestion is partly managed by messages sent between the brain and digestive system. These messages are sent through nerves. Damage to these nerves can cause messages between the brain and digestive system to be blocked. This prevents the bowels from working properly.

The spinal cord runs from the base of the brain to the lower back. There are two main types of neurogenic bowel, depending on where the spine is damaged.

Risk Factors

Spinal cord injury is the main risk factor.

Symptoms

A person with a neurogenic bowel may have:

  • Trouble having a bowel movement
  • Repeated bowel accidents
  • A swollen belly
  • A feeling of being full quickly
  • Loose stools or very hard stools
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Belly pain

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A rectal exam may also be done.

Stool tests may be done to check a person's waste products.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to manage the symptoms of neurogenic bowel. Choices are:

  • A bowel program to regularly remove stool
  • Diet changes to help stool consistency
  • Medicines to add stool bulk or make stool pass more easily

People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery. An opening may be made to the outside of the body to allow stool to exit.

Prevention

Neurogenic bowel cannot be prevented.

Reflexic Bowel

This happens when there is damage around the neck or chest. Messages between the colon and the brain are blocked. A person may not feel the need to have a bowel movement. As stool builds up in the rectum it triggers a reflex. This causes the rectum and colon to react, leading to a bowel movement without warning.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Bowel management. Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation website. Available at: https://www.christopherreeve.org/living-with-paralysis/health/secondary-conditions/bowel-management.
  • Cotterill, N., Maderbacher, H., et al. Neurogenic bowel dysfunction: Clinical management recommendations of the Neurologic Incontinence Committee of the Fifth International Consultation on Incontinence 2013. Neurourol Urodyn, 2018; 37 (1): 46-53.
  • Management of chronic spinal cord injury. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/management-of-chronic-spinal-cord-injury.
  • Sweis, R. and Biller, J. Systemic complications of spinal cord injury. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep, 2017; 17 (2): 8.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.