BLADDER-MANAGEMENT (ASSESSMENT)

SUMMARY

1. History and physical examination: determine the level of spinal injury and ASIA grading (complete/incomplete).
2. Medication history: is patient on diuretics, etc?
3. Timing of injury: is patient in spinal shock?
4. Type of bladder impairment: suprasacral, type A, type B, infrasacral.

Treatment depends on the following factors:
1. Type of bladder impairment.
2. Status of upper urinary tracts/renal function.
3. Functional ability: particularly mobility, sitting balance and hand function.
4. Patient’s cognitive ability, motivation and lifestyle.
5. Bladder management recommendations may change over the patient’s lifetime.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.