Situations involving damage to the brain, spinal cord or other parts of the nervous system are referred to as neurological conditions. Neurological conditions include the following diseases:
- cerebral palsy
- dementia
- multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- stroke
- head injury
- peripheral neuropathy
- spinal cord injury
Various diseases and events affecting nervous systems controlling the lower urinary tract can also cause incontinence and this is known to be common in neurological disease. Doctors are being told to look out for people who have neurological conditions and also experience incontinence or other urinary problems such as an overactive bladder. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence aims to minimise the effects of lower urinary tract dysfunction and promote active participation in their care.
The new NICE guidance advises healthcare professionals to undertake thorough assessments that include obtaining information about patients' urinary tract and neurological symptoms, other health problems (e.g. bowel or sexual problems), use of medications, degree of mobility, hand function, cognitive function, social support and lifestyle in order to inform how patients' urinary problems should be properly managed.
Professor Mark Baker says "There are lots of management options available depending on the type of urinary problem, from bladder and pelvic floor training, to medicines, catheters, and surgical procedures".
In his article "Sacral nerve stimulation for overactive bladder and pelvic pain", Consultant Urologist Mr Jeremy Ockrim describes one of the latest and most effective treatment options for urinary incontinence.
Associated with the nervous system and the brain.
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