Sitemap

Upper motor neuron damage

Upper motor neuron damage or reflex bladder

This type of bladder dysfunction occurs if the spinal cord damage occurs above the so called sacral micturition centre S2-S4. People with spinal cord damage above the sacral micturition centre can develop what is known as a "reflex bladder", which means cramps in the bladder wall and in the urethra's outer sphincter muscle.

Characteristics:

  • The bladder contracts when the urethra is closed, even though it should be open.
  • Spontaneous urine emptying during the bladder's filling phase in connection with external stimulation of the genital area or pressure on the bladder.
  • The feeling of needing to empty the bladder, even though the connection between the bladder and the central nervous system is completely severed.
  • The feeling of an urge to urinate, because the connections are not completely severed, even though the damage is extensive.
  • Involuntary bladder contractions, as the bladder muscle still has emptying strength, which can lead to involuntary urine leakage between emptyings.
  • Residual urine in the bladder, as the ability to contract is not enough to ensure the bladder is emptied completely.