Mount Sinai’s Neurogenic Bladder Program 

Neurological disorders and injuries to the nerves can interfere with the nerve messages between the brain and muscles that control the bladder and cause problems with bladder control and emptying (voiding dysfunction). These types of problems with bladder control are referred to as neurogenic bladder or neurogenic voiding dysfunction. 

Under the leadership of Dr. Neil Grafstein , Director of Reconstructive Urology, Female Urology and Voiding Dysfunction, Mount Sinai’s Neurogenic Bladder Program offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to the evaluation and treatment of neurogenic voiding dysfunction. 

Causes of Neurogenic Bladder 

In addition to spinal cord injury, neurogenic bladder can be caused by:

• Mutiple sclerosis
• Stroke
• Congenital neurological disorders, such as spina bifida
• Diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2)
• Parkinson’s disease

Symptoms

Symptoms of voiding dysfunction caused by neurologic disorders may include:

• An inability to store urine caused by an overactive bladder or a weak sphincter (bladder outlet), which generally results in incontinence, urgency, and/or urinary frequency
• An inability to release urine caused by a weak bladder or an overly tight urethral sphincter (the muscle that controls the retention and release of urine), which generally results in urinary retention or difficulty emptying the bladder 

Evaluation

At Mount Sinai’s state-of-the-art Continence Center, we conduct extensive evaluations in order to ensure highly specific and targeted treatments for patients with neurogenic voiding disorders, including:

• Uroflowmetry and post-void residual testing assess how well the bladder empties
• Urodynamic testing with x-ray and electomyogrpahy (EMG) provides anatomic information about bladder and external sphincter activity, and bladder pressure. This test allows us to pinpoint the origin of the dysfunction (the bladder, a bladder outlet obstruction, or both) 

We Can Help

If you are experiencing symptoms of neurogenic bladder or have been recently diagnosed, our physicians will provide an in-depth evaluation to ensure optimal treatment based upon your medical profile and needs. Mount Sinai’s Department of Urology is ranked among the nation’s best by US News and World Report. Please call us at 212-241-4812 to learn how Dr. Grafstein and his team can help you or a loved one.