BLADDER CHANGES

Men and women with neurological changes may find that they may not be able to control their bladder function voluntarily, or must learn to be highly regimented in their bladder care to avoid accidents. "Neurogenic" bladders may be the type where the bladder contracts in a hyperactive way when there is little urine in the bladder, or may be more like a flaccid balloon that leaks when it overfills. The sphincter mechanism that holds the urine in the bladder may also not be working in sync with the contractions of the bladder , causing abnormal pressures to be experienced in the bladder. If the bladder pressure is continually abnormally high, some of the urine may reflux back into the kidneys causing damage to them. These variations can be managed by medications, catheterizations ( intermittent or indwelling), or sometimes surgery. These and other factors point to the importance of proper management and regular follow - up.