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Paralytic Bladder Causes

The bladder is an organ made of muscle that serves as a reservoir for urine. The bladder's detrusor muscle expands in all directions to accommodate the urine as the bladder fills. Sensory receptors transmit that information to the spinal cord, which sends a message to alert the brain that it is time to empty the urine from the body.



A paralytic bladder is also called a neurogenic bladder and occurs when the sensory nerve fibers of the bladder are destroyed, making them unable to send the message that the bladder is full. An abnormal amount of urine builds up and and the bladder distends, which results in loss of bladder control and loss of desire to urinate. Various things can cause a paralytic bladder.

  1. Tabes dorsalis

    • Tabes dorsalis is a neurological disorder where posterior spinal cord columns degenerate, according to mercksource.com. This degeneration causes a disturbance in the reflexes and sensations of the body. Tabes dorsalis is caused by syphilis and the patient might not exhibit any symptoms until five to 20 years after the original infection.

    Pernicious Anemia

    • Pernicious anemia is a type of megaloblastic anemia and is typically seen in older adults. This type of anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor (a glycoprotein), resulting in abnormal formation of platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes, causing the inability to absorb the vitamin B12. When left untreated, it can result in permanent neurological damage to the body and intestinal disease. It can also result in damage to the spinal cord, which can cause a paralytic bladder.

    Spinal Cord Lesions

    • A paralytic bladder can result from damage to the spinal cord due to an infection, trauma, multiple sclerosis or a tumor. Damage to the spinal cord can result in a partial or total loss of bladder control or the ability to store urine in the bladder.

    Brain Damage

    • Damage to the frontal lobes of the brain can also cause micturition (urination) disorders. This part of the brain controls the bladder sensation and sensation of the pelvic floor.

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