1. Nat. Rev. Urol. doi:10.1038/nrurol.2016.206
Figure 1 Types of bladder dysfunction typically observed after spinal cord injury
Figure 1 | Types of bladder dysfunction typically observed after spinal cord injury. a | Intact innervation of the bladder. b | Innervation of the bladder in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) above the level of the conus medullaris. Patients with such lesions often have neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and detrusor–sphincter dyssynergia (DSD). If the sympathetic nerves are affected this might result in an open bladder neck. Bladder filling sensation might be lost. A spinal micturition reflex will be present in patients with intact parasympathetic nerves. The symptoms of each patient are likely to vary, based upon the exact position, and extent of SCI. c | Innervation of the bladder in patients with SCI at the level of the conus or below the level of the sacrum. Patients with such lesions are more likely to have urinary retention, owing to a loss of the spinal micturition reflex. Bladder filling sensations might be lost. An increased risk of incontinence, owing to a loss of urethral resistance, also exists. Again, the symptoms of each patient are likely to vary depending upon the exact position and extent of SCI. LUT, lower urinary tract.
Wyndaele, J.-J. (2016) The management of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction after spinal cord injury
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