Neurogenic Bowel Disease

An unfortunate consequence of a spinal cord injury or other damage to the nervous system is neurogenic bowel disease. Understanding and seeking help for this disorder helps preserve health and your quality of life.

The Facts

• Neurogenic bowel disease occurs after damage to the spinal cord, which affects the bowel's extrinsic innervation nerve. The damage to nerve tissue results in a lack of control of the colon. Several types of spinal cord injury result in this disease, and around half of those affected feel their lifestyle deteriorates.

Symptoms

• The primary symptom of neurogenic bowel disease is a loss of bowel control, causing incontinence or constipation. In addition, the disease can cause hemorrhoids, pain, diarrhea, impaction, or appetite loss. Finally, the disease requires extensive bowel management.

Types

• Neurogenic bowel disease is distinguished in two types: lower motor neuron and upper motor neuron. With lower motor neuron, stools are slowed and the disease causes higher incontinence and constipation. For upper motor neuron, constipation also occurs, along with higher fecal retention.

Lifestlye Solutions

• Any consultation for neurogenic bowel disease should be given by a physician, preferably a specialist. Common lifestyle changes that help with the disease include changes in diet to include more nutrients. In addition, regular exercise often helps combat the disorder.

Medical Solutions

• Medical solutions that can be taken include having a doctor examining stool, or an ultrasound or X-ray taken of the bowel region. In addition, certain doctor-prescribed medication and doctor-performed procedures, such as transanal irrigation, can help to regain bowel control. Finally, a procedure called an appendicostomy is a surgical option.