Urological complications after stroke

• Main Authors: Michał Lipowski, Marta Kucharska-Lipowska, Waldemar Brola
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medical Communications Sp. z o.o. 2019-10-01
• Series: Aktualności Neurologiczne
• Subjects: stroke; neurogenic bladder; urinary tract infection; urodynamic testing; treatment
• Online Access: http://neurologia.com.pl/index.php/issues/2019-vol-19-no-3/urological-complications-after-stroke?aid=1059
• ISSN: 1641-9227; 2451-0696

Urological complications affect 57–83% of patients in the early phase of stroke. Urinary incontinence, which may affect 40–60% of people with stroke, with 25% still having problems when discharged from hospital and 15% remaining incontinent after one year, is the most common complication. Urological disturbances can cause a variety of long-term complications; the most significant being deterioration of renal function. Infections of the urinary tract, diagnosed in 2–44% of patients after a stroke, are a frequent consequence of bladder dysfunction. Urinary tract infections significantly deteriorate patient’s condition, causing an elevated body temperature and a general inflammatory response, which may extend the ischaemic penumbra. Urinary incontinence increases the risk of skin damage and falls, reduces the quality of life, and delays recovery. The treatment of patients suffering from neurogenic bladder and urethral dysfunction requires the collaboration of specialists representing multiple disciplines. Without the treatment of the key symptoms of neurological diseases and rehabilitative treatment, no improvement in bladder function can be expected. Moreover, bladder dysfunction may result from the adverse impact of drugs used in the treatment of neurological diseases. Considering the possible occurrence of these post-stroke complications, collaboration with a urologist may be found valuable.