Physio Express

Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

WHAT IS NEUROGENIC BLADDER AND BOWEL dysfunction?

A neurogenic bladder or bowel dysfunction refers to a lack of control of the bladder or bowel due to disease or injury to the nervous system (brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerve).

Some neurological conditions that commonly experience this include:

  • Multiple Sclerosis

  • Spinal Cord Injury

  • Parkinson’s Disease

  • Stroke

  • Spina Bifida

  • Diabetes with peripheral neuropathy

  • Cauda Equina

BLADDER SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:

  • Inability to store urine (urinary frequency, urgency or incontinence)

  • Inability to empty the bladder on command (urinary retention)

  • Pain

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

BOWEL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE :

  • Inability to store faeces (bowel incontinence)

  • Inability to hold flatus or wind (flatal incontinence)

  • Constipation and straining

  • Bowel urgency

  • Inability to completely empty the bowel

  • Pain

  • Increased time spent toileting

HOW CAN NEURO JUNCTION PHYSIOTHERAPISTS HELP ME?

Assessing and treating neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction is important as these have a major impact on the quality of life of people with a neurological condition. Physiotherapy management can assist in improving independence of bladder and bowel functions and reduce the risk of complications (e.g., urinary tract infections and bowel impaction). Physiotherapy management can include:

  • Monitoring bladder and bowel function and referral to physician or nurse if required

  • Education and assistance with continence aids e.g. catheters and pads

  • Education regarding fluid and food intake, lifestyle and pain management

  • Behavioral therapy e.g., bladder and bowel diaries, regular and adequate emptying of the bladder and timed drinking and voiding

  • Voiding education including toileting positioning and techniques

  • Therapeutic exercise for pelvic floor and abdomen

  • Bladder and bowel sensory and biofeedback retraining e.g., mirror use, electrical stimulation and ultrasound

  • Manual therapy e.g. abdominal massage to assist with constipation

Neuro Junction will work in collaboration with the relevant multidisciplinary team including:

  • Registered Nurses

  • Physicians including general practitioner or urologist and neurologist

  • Occupational therapists