Neurological Causes of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is quite an embarrassing and uncomfortable problem both in men and women. In other words, it is a loss of bladder control. The problem can range from mild, moderate to severe issue – wherein a person has a sudden and strong urge to urinate. Though it occurs more often as people get older, urinary incontinence isn't an inevitable consequence of aging.

Temporary Urinary Incontinence

It is a short-lived state due to certain foods, soft drinks, beverages and medications. If you take certain foods or drinks, they act as diuretics – substances that increase the volume of urine and stimulate the bladder. For instance, sedatives, muscle relaxants, blood pressure and heart medications can act as diuretics. Urinary tract infection and constipation can also cause temporary urinary incontinence. Similarly, chocolates, artificial sweeteners, carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, sugary, acidic and spicy foods; large doses of vitamin C and chilli peppers can also act as diuretics.

Neurogenic bladder: It is a condition in which the bladder losses its control of holding and emptying urine. It is mostly due to the disruption of neurological activity or relationship between the bladder function and nervous system due to a neurological disorder, injury or disease. The problem can be in the brain, spinal cord or nerves supplying the bladder.

Neurologic causes of urinary incontinence

Neurologic causes of urinary incontinence include the following: environmental chemicals, such as heavy metal poisoning; spinal cord injury, brain tumours, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis

What are the symptoms of neurogenic bladder?

Neurogenic bladder is associated with the following symptoms: difficulty in starting urination or emptying the bladder; loss of bladder control; leakage of urine up on coughing and sneezing; frequent urination; repeated urinary tract infections and difficulties in knowing whether the bladder is full.

When to see a doctor?

Many people who have this problem often feel hesitant to discuss this condition with their doctor. It is important to seek medical help as early as possible for the following reasons:

• When the elderly people rush to the toilet they are at risk of falls.
• The quality of life shatters as the condition leads to negativity.
• Individuals with this issue restrict their social interactions and activities.
• Urinary incontinence signals a serious underlying health issue.

Bottom Line

Neurological conditions are not the only cause of urinary incontinence. Injuries, physical problems, everyday habits and underlying medical conditions can cause this issue.

Whatever may be the cause of this health issue, one must not delay in seeking medical help. Untreated urinary incontinence can affect day-to-day activities. In most of the cases, medications, lifestyle modification and dietary changes can help overcome the symptoms. However, if a physician suspects neurological cause, then he or she refers the patient to a neurologist who specializes in determining the underlying neurological cause of urinary incontinence.

Treatment involves medical management and lifestyle changes.