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This type of bladder dysfunction occurs if spinal cord damage occurs above the ‘sacral micturition centre S2-S4’ People with spinal cord damage above this centre can develop ‘reflex bladder’ which is cramps in the bladder wall and in the urethra’s outer sphincter muscle.
The following symptoms may occur:
- The bladder contracts when the urethra is closed, even though it should be open
- Spontaneous urine emptying during the bladders filling phase in connection with external stimulation of the genital area or pressure on the bladder
- The feeling of needing to empty the bladder, even though the connection between the bladder and the central nervous system is completely severed.
- The feeling a need to urinate, because the connections are not completely severed, even though the damage is extensive
- Involuntary bladder contractions, as the bladder muscle still has emptying strength, which can lead to involuntary urine leaks
- Residual (left over) urine in the bladder
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