1. Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures
2. Urinary Incontinence in Men Slideshow Pictures
3. Food & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow Pictures

In this Article

• What bladder control problems does nerve damage cause?
• What causes nerve damage?
• How will the doctor test for nerve damage and bladder control problems?
• What are the treatments for overactive bladder?
• How do you do Kegel exercises?
• What are the treatments for lack of coordination between the bladder and urethra?
• What are the treatments for urine retention?
• Hope through research
• For more information
• Patient Comments: Nerve Disease and Bladder Control - Problems
• Patient Comments: Nerve Disease and Bladder Control - Tests
• Find a local Urologist in your town
• Nerve Disease and Bladder Control Index

Many events or conditions can damage nerves and nerve pathways. Some of the most common causes are

• vaginal childbirth



• infections of the brain or spinal cord



• diabetes



• stroke



• accidents that injure the brain or spinal cord



• multiple sclerosis



• heavy metal poisoning

In addition, some children are born with nerve problems that can keep the bladder from releasing urine, leading to urinary infections or kidney damage.

Any evaluation for a health problem begins with a medical history and a general physical examination. Your doctor can use this information to narrow down the possible causes for your bladder problem.

If nerve damage is suspected, the doctor may need to test both the bladder itself and the nervous system, including the brain. Three different kinds of tests might be used:

Urodynamics. These tests involve measuring pressure in the bladder while it is being filled to see how much it can hold and then checking to see whether the bladder empties completely and efficiently.

Imaging. The doctor may use different types of equipment -- x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tomography (CT) scans -- to take pictures of the urinary tract and nervous system, including the brain.

EEG and EMG. An electroencephalograph (EEG) is a test in which wires with pads are placed on the forehead to sense any dysfunction in the brain. The doctor may also use an electromyograph (EMG), which uses wires with pads placed on the lower abdomen to test the nerves and muscles of the bladder.