Neurogenic Bladder Research Paper

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Neurogenic bladder is a loss of bladder control caused by damage to the nerve supply of the bladder. The damage can involve the brain, the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, or any combination thereof. Nerve control of urination Voluntary control over the lower urinary tract is enabled by a web of interactions between autonomic and efferent nerve pathways. The autonomic pathways include sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, and somatic control is contributed by the pudendal nerves. Sympathetic innervation of the bladder originates from the thoracolumbar outflow of the spinal cord. On the other hand, parasympathetic innervation derives from the sacral segments of the spinal cords. Also present in these nerves are afferent axons from the lower …show more content…

Voiding is mediated by a pathway passing through the pontine micturition center (PMC) of the brain. Excitation of the PMC activates pathways that relax the urethra and activate sacral parasympathetic outflow. The bladder then contracts, increasing its pressure, while the urethra relaxes, decreasing its pressure. Consequently, the pressure differential allows urine to flow out of the …show more content…

lack of coordination). For lesions affecting the conus medullaris or pelvic nerves, sensation of bladder fullness is lost, leading to distension of the detrusor muscle and inefficient contractions. The bladder becomes flaccid with increased capacity and large residual volumes. Symptoms following cortical and subcortical lesions vary by the location of the lesion. Patients with acute and chronic cerebrovascular accidents have been noted to have varying symptoms such as detrusor areflexia and detrusor hyperreflexia. Mild bilateral lesions of the putamen can affect urination, but unilateral lesions have not been shown to have an

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