Uroneurology

The function of the pelvic organs, including the lower urinary tract (LUT), is controlled by a complex network of nerves. This leaves patients with neurologic disease vulnerable to LUT and pelvic organ dysfunction. Physicians often come across urogenital complaints in their patients with neurologic disease, the symptoms of which can result in significant distress and loss of dignity and quality of life. Due to the health and economic burden that accompanies neurogenic pelvic organ dysfunction, it is important for clinicians to understand the common forms of dysfunction, essential investigations, and modes of management. This chapter covers bladder dysfunction from a physician’s perspective. Topics include neurologic control of the LUT, large bowel, and sexual functions; male and female sexual response; neurogenic bladder dysfunction and its management; diagnostic evaluation; management of neurogenic sexual dysfunction; management of erectile dysfunction; ejaculatory dysfunction; sexual dysfunction in women; and fecal incontinence. Figures illustrate efferent innervation of the LUT, neurologic detrusor overactivity, a urethral pressure profile in a patient with Fowler syndrome, an example bladder diary, an example bladder scan, and normal and obstructed flow patterns. Tables list common causes of injury at the suprapontine, suprasacral, and infrasacral levels and storage and voiding systems. This review contains 6 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, and 53 references.