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Neurogenic Bladder

The term nerogenic bladder is used to describe abnormalities in bladder function in children due to abnormal anatomy and function of the nervous system. In the pediatric population, this diagnosis is most often due to abnormalities of the spinal cord, with spina bifida being the most common cause. Many of these patients will have difficulty potty training due either to their nerve issue causing problems with bladder being able to hold an appropriate volume of urine or the sphincter muscles, which prevent leakage of urine, from being able to provide enough resistance. Patients with neurogenic bladders require close urology follow-up as, in some cases, elevated bladder pressures, if left untreated, can cause injury to the kidneys. In addition to preventing kidney injury, the goal of urologic care is to help children with neurogenic bladders become dry. Dryness (or “continence”) is often achieved through the use of medication, self- catheterization to drain the bladder, and in some circumstances, surgery. In addition to bladder management, urologic care of patients with neurogenic bladder also focuses on bowel related issues, as many children with neurologic lesions will struggle with stool continence as well.