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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sudden Inability To Pass Urine And Bowels?

My 31 year old daughter went into the hospital with back pain. She could not pass urine so the catherized her. She became constipated which we blamed on the pain meds. 3 MRI and blood work provided no answers. They sent her home with a walker and a catheter. The neurologist said he has no idea what is wrong. Go lightly finally allowed her a bowel movement, but she still could not pass urine. Now that she is at home, she cannot move her bowels either. She is scared and frustrated.
Mon, 22 May 2017
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Urologist,  's  Response
Hi.
With sudden lower backache associated with bowel and bladder dysfunction signifies there is nerve root compression at lumbar plexus. The causes can include cauda equina syndrome, conus medullaris, Guillane Barre Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, other inflammatory neurological conditions. May be that the disease is in very early phase and can't be diagnosed on MRI so early. Hence repeat MRI may be required after one week or so.
Secondly if there is history of fever, vomiting... may be etiology is infective. Hence lumbar puncture may rule out etiology.
As a part of management, let her remain on catheter for 1-2 weeks and then give her voiding trial. Give her enema and laxatives to evacuate bowel. Intake of plenty of fluids and fibres will also be helpful. May be steroids will be helpful. Consult neurologist to start it.
Kindly stay in touch.
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What Causes Sudden Inability To Pass Urine And Bowels?

Hi. With sudden lower backache associated with bowel and bladder dysfunction signifies there is nerve root compression at lumbar plexus. The causes can include cauda equina syndrome, conus medullaris, Guillane Barre Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, other inflammatory neurological conditions. May be that the disease is in very early phase and can t be diagnosed on MRI so early. Hence repeat MRI may be required after one week or so. Secondly if there is history of fever, vomiting... may be etiology is infective. Hence lumbar puncture may rule out etiology. As a part of management, let her remain on catheter for 1-2 weeks and then give her voiding trial. Give her enema and laxatives to evacuate bowel. Intake of plenty of fluids and fibres will also be helpful. May be steroids will be helpful. Consult neurologist to start it. Kindly stay in touch.