Neurogenic Bladder in Children

Neurogenic bladder is a condition in which the bladder doesn’t work properly as a result of nerve damage, birth defects, or other neurological conditions. Children with neurogenic bladder have trouble holding and releasing urine.

Untreated neurogenic bladder can lead to damage of the blood vessels in the urinary system. This can make your child more prone to issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney swelling.

What Causes Neurogenic Bladder?

The most common causes of neurogenic bladder are:

• Spina bifida (a defect of the spine and spinal cord that develops in the womb)
• Spinal cord injury
• Tumors of the central nervous system
• Cerebral Palsy

Neurogenic Bladder Symptoms

Symptoms of neurogenic bladder include:

• Leaking urine
• Hesitancy to start urinating
• Suddenly needing to pee urgently
• Frequent urination
• Inability to control urination

Diagnosing Bladder Dysfunction

At UVA Health Children's, your child’s healthcare provider may perform the following in addition to routine exams:

• Urine test, to check for infections or protein in the urine
• Urodynamic study, which checks how the bladder is functioning
• Ultrasound examination to visually check the bladder and kidneys

Bladder Function Treatment

Treatment will vary depending on the severity of your child’s case, but may include:

Timed voiding

We time when to use the toilet. This prevents accidents and protects the kidneys. using the toilet at scheduled times to avoid accidents and protect the kidneys)

Catheter Use

Sometimes, depending on the cause, it's helpful to use a catheter to empty the bladder regularly. For severe cases, a permanent catheter may be an option.

Medications

Medications can help relax an overactive bladder, or stimulate an underactive bladder.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor therapy can help with controlling the muscles around the bladder.

Surgery

Sometimes, surgery to increase the bladder's size is a good option.