Learn how a spinal cord injury can affect bladder control and function. Explore the challenges, treatments, and management strategies to improve urinary health.

Victims of spinal cord injuries have to deal with various effects from the damage. In many cases, the types of effects they endure are determined by the level of the injury. It might shock some people to know that almost all spinal cord injury patients are at risk of having bladder control issues.

On behalf of Joseph Caprara of CBLAW posted in Spinal Cord Injuries on Thursday, November 19, 2015.

Victims of spinal cord injuries have to deal with various effects from the damage. In many cases, the types of effects they endure are determined by the level of the injury. It might shock some people to know that almost all spinal cord injury patients are at risk of having bladder control issues.

How does a spinal injury affect bladder control?

A spinal cord injury affects bladder control because the messages that are sent between the brain and the bladder are often confused. This can cause the bladder to become overactive or underactive. In both cases, the victim of an injury to the spinal cord might have issues controlling their bladder function like they could before the accident.

What is a flaccid bladder?

A flaccid bladder is one in which the muscle react sluggishly or not at all. This can lead to the bladder becoming too full with urine. If the person is able to urinate, they might not be able to fully empty the bladder because of the lax muscle tone in the bladder.

What is a spastic bladder?

A spastic bladder is usually associated with an injury above the T12 level of the spine. This condition causes the bladder muscles to tighten so that it is impossible to determine when a person will urinate or if the person will urinate.

Why are these bladder conditions such an issue?

The inability to fully empty the bladder can lead to other issues. In the case of spinal cord injury patients, issues with the bladder might lead to renal failure, recurrent bladder infections, kidney distention, kidney inflammation or bladder and kidney stones.

The treatments for bladder issues after a spinal cord injury vary, but they can be costly. A person with a spinal cord injury might choose to seek compensation for their injury so that they are able to get the treatments they need for all the effects of their spinal cord injury.

Source: Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, “Bladder Management,” accessed Nov. 19, 2015