What is a Neurogenic Bladder in Children?

Your bladder needs muscles to contract and relax when you want to urinate. Your brain usually controls this process, but sometimes the message that you want to urinate is not sent from your brain to your bladder. This is called the neurogenic bladder. Treatment for this condition can help you regain control.

What are neurogenic bladder symptoms?

The primary symptom is loss of control over urine. Other symptoms of the neurogenic bladder include:

Poor or drizzling flow of urine
Urgency is the feeling of urinating immediately
Urination pain - this is a sign that there can be an infection in your urinary tract.
Urinary incontinence.

Neurogenic bladder is caused by the failure of the nerves along the path linking the bladder to the brain. This may be due to a brain disorder or bladder nerve damage.

Examples of brain disorders that may cause neurogenic bladder include:

Alzheimer's disease
Spinal cord birth defects
Tumors of the brain or spinal cord
Parkinson's disease
Injury to the spinal cord
Multiple sclerosis
Stroke

Conditions that affect the bladder muscles include:

Diabetes, causing nerve impairment
Prolonged abuse of alcohol
Pelvis surgery may result in an impairment of nerves
Neurological impairment of spinal nerve

Your doctor may begin by examining your bladder muscle and nervous system if there is a suspicion that the neurogenic bladder has come to fruition. Improvement in some of the symptoms will naturally follow when the main ailment is treated.

How is neurogenic bladder diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects a neurogenic bladder, they will perform an examination and likely run several exams of the nervous system and the bladder. The tests can be:

Urodynamic studies: Tests will measure the volume of urine your bladder can hold, as well as the pressure within it, smooth urine flow, and complete bladder emptying when filled. Sensors may also be applied to your skin only over the opening of your urethra that conducts urine or even across your rectum if the muscles and nerves along those portions of the pathway are working appropriately.
Cystoscopy:Let your doctor insert a small telescope, called a cystoscope, to view the inside of your bladder and urethra.
Ultrasound tests.
X-rays
Computed tomography (CT) scans.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

What is the treatment for neurogenic bladder?

Your doctor will work with you to find out what kind of treatment is best for you depending on what is causing your neurogenic bladder. Some options for neurogenic bladder treatment include:

Lifestyle modifications: These can include avoiding specific foods and beverages that can irritate the bladder. These include alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as coffee and soda. Good blood glucose control for diabetic patients and management of constipation can also be helpful.
Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC): This involves passing thin, flexible tubes through your urethra into your bladder to drain urine. You can master these tubes to drain out your bladder at your convenience.
Continuous catheterization: This treatment requires wearing a catheter all day long. A catheter is a thin tube that can be passed through your urethra or directly into your abdomen through your lower abdominal wall (suprapubic tube).
Medications:The medications used to treat neurogenic bladder are oxybutynin, tolterodine, mirabegron, and solifenacin succinate, among others.
Intramuscular injections of botulinum a toxin (Botox®): Your doctor will inject botulinum a toxin into your bladder or urinary sphincters.
Bladder Augmentation (Augmentation Cystoplasty): The surgeon removes small portions of your intestine-sigmoid colon-and attaches it to the inner walls of your bladder. This will greatly decrease the pressure from inside of the bladder and at the same time increase its ability to store urine.
Ileal Conduit: Part of your small bowel is used to make a urine stoma that empties into a bag on the outside of your body.

Absorbent undergarments, pads, panty shields, panty liners, and adult diapers can absorb moisture and odors while keeping skin and clothing dry. Bed pads can protect sheets and mattresses.

What are the complications of neurogenic bladder?

People with neurogenic bladder are at increased risk for other urinary tract problems, such as recurrent infections, kidney damage, vesicoureteral reflux, and stones in the urinary tract.

Individuals with bladder control problems like neurogenic bladder sometimes have quality of life issues. Such issues should be identified, and proper support should be provided.

How can I prevent neurogenic bladder?

Most cases of neurogenic bladder cannot be prevented.

When should I see my health care provider about neurogenic bladder?

If you have any form of nervous system disorder, there is a good chance that your healthcare provider is already aware of the fact that neurogenic bladder might be a problem. Nevertheless, you should be frank with your provider about the challenges you face. Ensure you discuss with your provider any new or worsening concerns, including any that might be indicative of an infection, such as pain or fever.

Why Choose Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital for Neurogenic Bladder treatment in children in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital has the most trusted team of Pediatric Urologists with advanced diagnostic equipment and child-friendly care for Pediatric Neurogenic Bladder treatment in Lucknow, India. Our Pediatric Urology department follows international safety standards and has years of experience in successfully managing children's Urological diseases.