Possible neurgenic Bladder

Dear Dr.

I am writing in the hope that you might provide me with an answer to my question.

My son, aged 20 had recent bladder surgery for two very large bladder diverticuli in December 2004.  He is currently on Uroxatrol to assist his flow and shuts down without it.  He still has bladder stones and recent complaints of tremors of hands and feet which he also had in 2003.

I have researched the net and discovered that L3 and L4 spinal trauma is associated with urinary dysfunction.  Well, my son had
a spinal tap as an infant, I believe surgeons puncture L3, L4, if I am not mistaken.  He was exposed to a child with spinal meningitis as a one-month-old infant.  Records suggest he had an enterovirus.  He spiked a temperature of 102 during hospitalization of one week, was lethargic, and had poor feeding and vomiting.

Since his infancy, he has not only developed impaired urinary flow and resultant diverticuli but also had a megacolon diagnosed at the age of 3.

Very importantly, he has had continued medical complaints of lower back pain presenting at a very young age and which are still very prevalent to this date. X-rays of his back show vertebrae which have no disc problems.  Is it not possible that the cord/nerve was injured?  

This is all too coincidental.

Thank you and please help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It would be unlikely that the current back pain symptoms are related to the spinal tap done as an infant.  

To confirm this, you may want to consider an MRI of the area, as well as possible electrodiagnostic tests to determine if there is any nerve damage.  This can be discussed in conjunction with a neurology referral.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[ladypig]

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