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This type of bladder dysfunction occurs if spinal cord damage occurs below T12, the micturation reflex is usually absent and the bladder is flaccid, that is, the muscle wall does not contract. The bladder will fill until it overflows and constant dribbling incontinence will occur.
The overflow of urine prevents high pressures building up in the bladder, but the incomplete emptying is likely to lead to urine infections, which can cause kidney damage in the long term.
The following symptoms may be experienced:
- No feeling of needing to urinate, in the case of complete damage
- Bladder muscle has little or no strength to empty
The following symptoms may be experienced:
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No feeling of needing to urinate, in the case of complete damage
- Bladder muscle has little or no strength to empty
- The bladder is often stretched and overfull
- Residual (left over) urine that can lead to leakage and UTIs
The pressure in the sphincter muscle is often low, which leads to leakage when pressure on the abdomen increases, for example when coughing, sneezing or exercising
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