Definition of Neurogenic bladder:

Neurogenic bladder is a problem in which a person lacks bladder control due to a brain or nerve condition.

See also: Urinary incontinence

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Several muscles and nerves must work together for your bladder to hold urine until you're ready to empty it. Nerve messages go back and forth between the brain and the muscles that control bladder emptying. If these nerves are damaged by illness or injury, the muscles may not be able to tighten or relax at the right time.

Disorders of the central nervous system commonly cause neurogenic bladder. This can include:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Birth defects of the spinal cord (meningomyelocele)
• Brain or spinal cord tumors
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson disease
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke recovery

Damage or disorders of the nerves that supply the bladder can also cause this condition. This can include:

• Alcoholic neuropathy (nerve damage due to long-term, heavy alcohol use)
• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage due to long-term diabetes)
• Nerve damage due to pelvic surgery
• Nerve damage from a herniated disc