Significance of neurologic cause for urinary problems?

[dldaisy]

I went to the urologist today and he said that my problems were related to the peripheral neuropathy I developed months ago.  He said my problems were neurologic in nature and I'm to have some test soon to prove this.  What types of neurologic problems cause incontinence, poor stream, little sensation of bladder fullness, and numbness in the feet and legs?

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,

There are neurological problems which can result in urinary incontinence. For e.g. diseases of the spinal cord or diseases of the peripheral nerves which also involve the spinal cord like diabetes mellitus. In these diseases, the nerves from the brain which control our urge to pass urine and also prevents the passage of urine during unwanted times are damaged resulting in incontinence.

There are tests to find out the cause of the underlying incontinence and subsequently the treatment of the same.

I hope that helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[dldaisy]

Thank you for the information.  Should I return to the neurologist who treated me for the peripheral neuropathy or should I wait for the urologist to determine the problem?  I've had 3 spinal surgeries, a lumbar laminectomy and 2 recent cervical spinal fusions.  I also suspect that I may have ruptured a disk vomiting in December.  I've had no symptoms like before (arm or leg pain), but I felt severe pain in my back like I did when I ruptured two others coughing.  My insurance has changed and I can no longer go to the neurosurgeon who did my cervical surgeries.  

[rmprdl1964]

Hi,

I just came accross your message and noticed the peripheral neuropathy. I was wondering if you know the cause of your neuropathy.

In 1998 I was diagnosed as having HNPP (hereditary neuropathy with liability of pressure palsies. It is the genetic opposite of Charcot Marie Tooth disease.

After having had neumerous UTI and kidney infections and after surgry to the bladderneck and prostate I was diagnosed as having a neurogenic bladder in 1996.

Like you I too have numbness in both legs and feet and use an AFO on the left foot. For me it started with numbness in my hands and arm as well as pain in the wrists and elbows.

One neurologist told me that my neurogenic bladder could not be caused by the HNPP. The urologists as well as others think that all of it is related to my condition.

Three different urologists explained to me how sensations of urination and bladder fullness are related to impairment of the peripheral and central nervous system. I personally think that the neurologist is an idiot and does not know what he was talking about.

To ensure that I can empty my bladder as well as to prevent infections from urine pooling, I use intermittant catherization.

I hoe that you will get the help that you need and that youw will deal with helpful doctors and not a neurologist like the one that I have seen.

There are several online groups that deal with neuropathies. Try to obtain as much information that you can. My condition is rare and only a few doctors that I was seen by had heard of it. Sometimes you have to do your own research to educate doctors about rare conditions.

Good luck,

Ron

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
I think that you should consult a neurologist for this as the 3 spinal surgeries may have been respondible for this.It could have resulted in compression/irritation or injury of the nerves.MRI spine and MR neurography may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted.