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Neurogenic Bladder & Neuro-Urology

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Bladder problems can be embarrassing and painful. If you have neurogenic bladder, UC San Diego Health urologists can help you manage your symptoms so you can enjoy a healthy, productive life.

Your options for effective bladder control include advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments.

What is Neurogenic Bladder?

The nerves and muscles of the urinary system work together to help your bladder hold and release urine.

Damage to these nerves can cause neurogenic bladder, a neurological (nervous system) condition that prevents you from having effective bladder control. You may have difficulty emptying or voiding your bladder (underactive bladder) or a sudden, uncountable need to urinate (overactive bladder).

There's no cure for neurogenic bladder, but we can help you manage the symptoms.

What Causes Neurogenic Bladder?

Neurogenic bladder can be caused by congenital malformations (present at birth) or medical conditions:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Brain tumors
Cerebral palsy
Diabetes
HIV
Lumbar spine diseases, including lumbar stenosis
Movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease
Memory disorders, including Alzheimer's disease
Multiple sclerosis
Nerve damage after pelvic surgery
Nerve injury due to an accident
Normal-pressure hydrocephalus
Spina bifida
Spinal cord birth defects, injuries and tumors
Stroke

Symptoms We Treat

If you have a neurogenic bladder, you could face two types of problems: underactive or overactive bladder. This could lead to the following symptoms:

Difficult or painful urination
Frequent urination
Slow, weak or dribbling urine stream
Incontinence
Kidney stones
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Neuro-Urology Experts

Count on your UC San Diego Health care team, which draws upon innovative research and state-of-art technology to ensure you receive the best possible services.

U.S. News & World Report repeatedly ranks us among the top 50 urology programs in the nation. Our neuro-urologists have extensive experience in treating neurogenic bladder disorders. We also work with other specialists to ensure you get exceptional and well-rounded care.

Graphic with U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” badge for top-ranked urology care

Innovative Treatments and Personalized Care

We provide confidential and expert services to manage your neurogenic bladder condition. We want to help enhance your sexual health and fertility and ensure you enjoy a healthy life.

At your first visit, your urologist will:

Ask about your goals of care
Review your symptoms and medical history
Identify concerns based on your condition (such as risks to kidney function)
Ask about your expectations on what would most improve your quality of life

Diagnostic Tests

We may order several tests and imaging exams to make an accurate diagnosis.

Cystoscopy: To evaluate the insides of the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra
Urodynamics: To study bladder function
Transrectal ultrasound: To determine the prostate size

Personalized Treatment Plan

We work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that’s best for you. You'll have access to the most-effective therapies and the latest advances in urologic surgery to promote faster recovery.