Neurogenic Bladder and Urodynamics
On July 23, 2026, the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance (GMKA), in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine Global Health and the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Clinical Hospital, hosted the lecture “Neurogenic Bladder and Urodynamics.”
This virtual educational event focused on neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury, including its underlying mechanisms, potential urological complications, principles of clinical assessment, and the selection of an individualized treatment strategy. Particular attention was given to preserving renal function, preventing infections and other complications, and ensuring appropriate long-term follow-up.
The lecture was delivered by Donna Huang, MD, Associate Professor and Associate Residency Program Director in the H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, USA. She leads the Spinal Cord Injury Care Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
About the Lecture
Neurogenic bladder results from impaired neural control of urine storage and voiding. Depending on the neurological level of injury, it may present with urinary incontinence, urinary retention, or incomplete bladder emptying and may lead to urinary tract infections, stone formation, hydronephrosis, and renal damage.
The primary goal of treatment is therefore not only to control symptoms but, above all, to ensure low-pressure urine storage and regular, effective bladder emptying.
Key Topics
- anatomy of the urinary tract and neural control of micturition;
- physiology of urine storage and voiding;
- the impact of the neurological level of injury on bladder function;
- neurogenic detrusor overactivity;
- detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia;
- neurogenic detrusor underactivity and an acontractile detrusor;
- urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria;
- bladder and kidney stones;
- hydronephrosis, obstructive uropathy, and the risk of renal damage;
- risks associated with long-term catheter use;
- medical history taking and assessment of storage, voiding, and post-micturition symptoms;
- measurement of post-void residual urine volume;
- assessment of renal function and ultrasonography of the urinary tract;
- the role of urodynamic testing in identifying the type of lower urinary tract dysfunction;
- selection of an appropriate bladder management and drainage method;
- intermittent and indwelling catheterization;
- pharmacological treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity;
- the use of botulinum toxin and alpha-adrenergic blockers;
- indications for surgical treatment;
- a clinical case involving a patient with spinal cord injury and urinary incontinence.
Why Watch This Lecture?
The lecture explains the relationship between the neurological level of spinal cord injury and the resulting pattern of lower urinary tract dysfunction. The expert discusses how to assess a patient’s symptoms, which investigations are needed to identify the type of dysfunction, and why clinical manifestations alone are insufficient for a comprehensive evaluation of potential risks.
The lecture also provides a structured overview of treatment approaches. Bladder drainage methods, pharmacological therapy, and surgical interventions are presented not as mutually exclusive options, but as tools that may be combined according to bladder function, the patient’s abilities and circumstances, and the risk of complications.
Who Is This Lecture For?
This material will be useful for physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, urologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, family physicians, interns and residents, nurses, and other members of multidisciplinary teams caring for patients after spinal cord injury.
Watch the lecture “Neurogenic Bladder and Urodynamics.”