Bladder dysfunction after stroke.

The effects of stroke are complex and diverse. Deficits experienced depend on the location of damage and vary in severity. Voiding problems resulting from a stroke include uninhibited neurogenic bladder, urgency and frequency, retention, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence. Because a variety of causative and contributing factors are involved, comprehensive and ongoing evaluation is necessary. Although bladder dysfunction is common initially after stroke, evidence has shown that improvements in voiding occur after the first few weeks. Intermittent sterile catheterization, scheduled voiding, pelvic floor exercises, and relaxation techniques can be effective, especially if other stroke deficit considerations are incorporated into the management plan.