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What is neurogenic detrusor overactivity?
Neurogenic detrusor activity in men or detrusor hyperreflexia is a neurological abnormality that impairs the signalling systems between the central nervous system and the bladder. This abnormality results in the brain being unable to inhibit the detrusor muscles that control the bladder and urination. The detrusor muscles therefore contracts more frequently causing the involuntary release of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence). The impairment of the signalling systems between the bladder and the brain is caused by a disruption of the nerves supplying the detrusor muscle.
Above: Improving abdominal and pelvic muscle control with assistance from a specialist physiotherapistWhat causes neurogenic detrusor overactivity in men?
The disruption of nerves that controls the bladder in men could be caused by a number factors including;
- Neurological injury – such as spinal cord injury or stroke
- Neurological diseases – such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis
- Prostate enlargement or cancer
- Prostate surgery or other surgery to the area around the bladder
- Trauma
- Weakened pelvic floor and transverse abdominal muscles
- Poor bladder control
- Bladder problems such as inflammation, bladder stones or cancer
What are the symptoms of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in men?
Neurogenic detrusor activity in men can cause a number of symptoms such as;
- Urinary incontinence – involuntary urination
- Stress incontinence – leakage of urine during coughing, laughing or exercise
- Urge incontinence – feeling the need to urinate and being unable to hold it in
- More regular urination
- Waking during the night to go to the toilet
Physiotherapy treatment for neurogenic detrusor overactivity;
Physio.co.uk has specialist physiotherapists that will provide you with a thorough assessment and comprehensive physiotherapy programme. Your physiotherapy programme with Physio.co.uk will focus on goals that are personal to you and therefore there is no standard way in which to treat neurogenic detrusor activity in men. Your physiotherapy programme will include a variety of treatment methods that will help minimise the problems you are experiencing. Physiotherapy for neurogenic detrusor overactivity may include:
- Bladder training to help the bladder return to normal function
- Strengthening exercises for the pelvic floor muscles
- Strengthening exercises for the abdominal muscles
- Biofeedback training to show you how well you are using your pelvic floor muscles
- Electrical stimulation to improve muscle function
- Controlled breathing and relaxation exercises
- Instruction for home exercise programme to improve pelvic floor function
- Instructions on how to control pelvic floor and abdominal muscles during coughing, sneezing and laughing etc
- Education on how to make lifestyle changes that may affect the bladder
Summary
Neurogenic detrusor overactivity is a neurological condition that causes either increased or involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscle in the bladder. The involuntary contractions result from a disruption in the nerve supply to the detrusor muscle of the bladder which is caused by a variety of factors. Physiotherapy is a very effective way of retraining the bladder and reducing the symptoms of neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Physio.co.uk will provide you with a comprehensive physiotherapy programme that aims to minimise any problems you have been experiencing. Call Physio.co.uk now on 0330 088 7800 for more information or to book an appointment You can also book an appointment with us online today!
