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Bladder Problem, Had Normal Prostate And Bladder Tests, Had Dehydration, Thickened Bladder Walls With Syscoscophy ,back Pain, MRI Of Back And Brain, Taking Gabapentin

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Posted on Thu, 14 Jun 2012
Question: late in 2007 my bladder started giving me problems. I had to go to the bathroom every twenty minutes. I felt like urin would dribble out every time i moved. I had to get up 4 to 5 times a night to use the bathroom. Eventually I had to start wearing diapers 24/7. I have had three prostate exams. several bladder scans. I got dehydrated riding in my truckin the winter of 2008, and yes I had a case of gatorade. I have seen two urologist. they did two cat scans, two exrays, and blood work. al the tests came back normal. The doctor did a syscoscophy and found my bladder walls to have thickened. He said I have a nurogenic bladder. I have a bad back, so they did two MRIs on my lower back, and found it to be fairly bad.
I have had three opions, and all say there is no nerve inpengement. I was also having problems with pins and needles, numbness, and cognitive difficulties. I was sent to a nuerologist. He suspected MS, but an MRI of my brain came back clean. For the past month my Doctor has had me on Gabapentin. This has helped. I can controll my bladder, but it is still uncomfortable. I assume it is damaged. I have not pooped on myself, and the pins, and needles are gone. My neurologist says he doesn't have a clue what is wrong with me. I would like any possible theory what might be wrong with me.
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Answered by Dr. Shiva Kumar R (2 hours later)
Hello and thanks for the query.

Neurogenic bladder can occur if there is a problem anywhere between the brain stem and the lower level of the spinal cord. Most common reasons are demyelination like MS (Multiple Sclerosis), spinal cord compression and syrinx. However the investigation reports in you has not revealed any of the above said causes. Some times demyelination cannot be made out on the MRI (Magnetic Resonant Imaging) of the brain and spinal cord. Other rare cause is Autonomic neuropathy.

So, I personally feel we have to rule out the possibility of Syrinx and Autonomic neuropathy. This is a very difficult time for you I am sure. The bottom line is that I think you need to talk to your GP and Neurologist regarding the above possibilities. If these are ruled out, then only possibility is to treat you as a case of neurogenic bladder of uncertain cause.

I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you find my response to be both helpful and adequate. If you have any additional concerns regarding your question I would be happy to address them.

Sincerely,

Dr. Shiva Kumar R.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Dr. Shiva Kumar R

Neurologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 504 Questions

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Bladder Problem, Had Normal Prostate And Bladder Tests, Had Dehydration, Thickened Bladder Walls With Syscoscophy ,back Pain, MRI Of Back And Brain, Taking Gabapentin

Hello and thanks for the query.

Neurogenic bladder can occur if there is a problem anywhere between the brain stem and the lower level of the spinal cord. Most common reasons are demyelination like MS (Multiple Sclerosis), spinal cord compression and syrinx. However the investigation reports in you has not revealed any of the above said causes. Some times demyelination cannot be made out on the MRI (Magnetic Resonant Imaging) of the brain and spinal cord. Other rare cause is Autonomic neuropathy.

So, I personally feel we have to rule out the possibility of Syrinx and Autonomic neuropathy. This is a very difficult time for you I am sure. The bottom line is that I think you need to talk to your GP and Neurologist regarding the above possibilities. If these are ruled out, then only possibility is to treat you as a case of neurogenic bladder of uncertain cause.

I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you find my response to be both helpful and adequate. If you have any additional concerns regarding your question I would be happy to address them.

Sincerely,

Dr. Shiva Kumar R.