Understanding and Treating Neurogenic Bladder

The urinary system is divided into the upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters) and the lower urinary tract (bladder, urethra and internal/external sphincters). As urine fills the bladder, signals are transmitted to and from the brain to encourage bladder muscle contraction and sphincter relaxation. Neurogenic bladder is due to interruptions in these messages, as seen in spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and diabetes. The three main types of neurogenic bladder include: uninhibited, upper motor neuron, and lower motor neuron dysfunctions. The patient’s functional status and diagnosis dictate the bladder management plan from catheterization methods to medication administration.