Bowel & Bladder
The Bladder: The urinary system
Because the two-way communication system between brain and body is often affected or cut off with an SCI, your bladder control has likely changed. Facing this reality can be tough and is often emotional. But in time, you will acquire the knowledge and training you need to regain control and independence.
A person with an injury to their spinal cord may have problems with bladder function, including:
- damage to the nerves in the spinal cord can prevent messages from going between the brain, bladder and muscles
- trouble holding or emptying their bladder
- frequent urinary tract infections or kidney damage
- urinary or kidney stones
Additional complications could include:
Overactive or spastic bladder: This occurs when the muscles in the wall of the bladder are constantly pushing, and you cannot control when you urinate.
Flaccid or non-reflex bladder: This refers to not being able to urinate when your bladder is full. It is likely that the muscles of the bladder are not strong enough or the ring that holds the bladder shut won’t relax.
Urinary tract infections (UTI): A UTI happens when bacteria enter your bladder and multiplies, often caused by the use of catheters. If not treated, the infection can spread to your kidneys and further.
Bladder or kidney stones: These are caused when waste does not get removed properly from the bladder or kidneys. Indwelling catheters can increase your risk, as the catheter itself can form a build-up that leads to stones.
