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2.6. Neurogenic Bladder Management

The following resources are provided for your general information and are not intended as medical advice. Please discuss any information of interest with your health care providers to determine the information that is applicable to you, taking your individual circumstances into account.

Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center Resources:

  • Bladder Management Options Following Spinal Cord Injury— An information sheet that discusses bladder management options. Written by Todd A. Linsenmeyer, M.D., and Steven Kirshblum, M.D., in collaboration with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC).

  • Surgical Alternatives for Bladder Management Following SCI (2015) — An information sheet that discusses surgical options when other bladder management strategies are ineffective . Developed by Todd A. Linsenmeyer, M.D., and Steven Kirshblum, M.D., in collaboration with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center.

  • Urinary Tract Infection and Spinal Cord Injury 
    Published by the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). Urinary tract infections are one of the most common medical problems after SCI. The factsheet explains urinary tract infections, how to prevent them, and how they can be treated. The factsheet is also available in Spanish (PDF).

Resources from the Bladder Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital:

Podcasts:

    • Podcasts from the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (NLUTD) - The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (NLUTD) was launched in 2019 and includes a diverse team of physicians (rehabilitation, urology, pediatrics), researchers, and people with NLUTD (more commonly known as “neurogenic bladder”). Their podcasts are for clinicians, scientists, and people living with neurogenic bladder and they cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of neurogenic bladder and its management, to being in a relationship and dating, social justice, and more. 

  • Information Sheets:
    • What is Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (NLUTD)?
      A pamphlet published by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital that provides an overview of how neurological injury/disease affects the process of urine storage and emptying.  Describes the four main ways that NLUTD can result in bladder dysfunction. 

    • What is Overactive Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (NLUTD)?
      A pamphlet published by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital that describes overactive NLUTD, including symptoms, affects, and management strategies. 

    • What is Underactive Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (NLUTD)?
      A fact sheet by the Bladder Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital that describes underactive NLUTD. This is a general information sheet which discusses this specific type of urinary tract dysfunction. Please discuss any information of interest with your physician to determine if the information is applicable to you, taking your individual circumstances into account.  

Bladder Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Research Summaries:

United Spinal Association Publication

Other Resources 

  • Bladder Management — This 33 minute video outlines the importance of bladder management on QOL. The types of bladder management programs and techniques are illustrated (Male and female anatomical models utilized to demonstrate proper techniques). Prevention and treatment of UTI and risks for stone formation are also discussed.  This video 1 in an 11-part video series provided by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Spinal Cord Injury Model System (UAB-SCIMS). 

Articles that discuss a variety of concerns and issues about bladder management 

    • H20 to Go! Hydration: An article by Craig Hospital Research Department from their SCI Health and Wellness series that reviews the importance of drinking enough water, or keeping the body hydrated, for persons with spinal cord injury and the problems resulting from dehydration. Includes a self-quiz to see if you are drinking enough water

    • SCI Pamphlets - Urinary Tract Infections Intermittent Catheterization: From the "Staying Healthy after a Spinal Cord Injury" series published by University of Washington, discusses practical and useful information.

    • SCI Pamphlets - Urinary Tract Infections Indwelling (Foley) Catheter: From the "Staying Healthy after a Spinal Cord Injury" series published by the University of Washington.  Discusses the difference between an infection and bacteriuria (having bacteria in the urine but no symptoms)

Organizational resources

  • National Association For Continence  a national, private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with incontinence, voiding dysfunction, and related pelvic floor disorders. NAFC's purpose is to be the leading source for public education and advocacy about the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatments, and management alternatives for incontinence.

  • Neurotech Network provides information regarding neurotechnology urinary control devices

                   ******Advocacy Groups for incontinence ****** 

If you are living with a neurologic condition causing an overactive bladder that leads to urinary incontinence, finding useful information, resources, and support can make a difference. Below you'll find a list of organizations and associations where you can learn more and get involved. The organizations listed below do not endorse any specific treatment for urinary incontinence.

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