Spasmodic bladder

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Spasmodic Bladder, also known as Overactive Bladder (OAB), is a condition characterized by a sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the bladder causing an urgent need to urinate. This condition can lead to symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and in some cases, urinary incontinence. Spasmodic bladder affects individuals of all ages, but its prevalence increases with age.

Causes and Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of spasmodic bladder is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to disruptions in the signals between the brain and the bladder, causing the bladder muscles to contract involuntarily. Several factors may increase the risk of developing spasmodic bladder, including:

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of spasmodic bladder can significantly impact the quality of life and may include:

  • Urgency: A sudden and strong need to urinate
  • Frequency: Needing to urinate more often than usual
  • Nocturia: Waking up during the night to urinate
  • Urge incontinence: Leakage of urine following a sudden, strong urge to urinate

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of spasmodic bladder typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and possibly additional tests such as:

  • Urinalysis to check for infections or abnormalities
  • Bladder diary to record urination patterns
  • Urodynamic Testing to measure bladder pressure and function
  • Cystoscopy to examine the bladder and urethra

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for spasmodic bladder aims to manage symptoms and may include:

  • Behavioral Therapies such as bladder training and pelvic floor exercises
  • Medications that relax the bladder muscles, known as anticholinergics or beta-3 adrenergic agonists
  • Neuromodulation Therapy, including sacral nerve stimulation or percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
  • Botox injections into the bladder muscle
  • Surgery, in severe cases, to increase bladder capacity or divert urine flow

Lifestyle and Home Remedies[edit | edit source]

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms:

  • Limiting intake of diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Scheduled toileting to train the bladder to delay urination
  • Double voiding to ensure the bladder is fully emptied

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

While spasmodic bladder is a chronic condition, the prognosis is generally good with treatment. Many individuals experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life through a combination of therapies.


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD