This condition involves involuntary urine leakage occurring without any sensation of needing to urinate. The bladder empties automatically when it reaches a certain level of fullness. This type of voiding dysfunction often results from neurological damage that interrupts the normal communication between the brain and the bladder. For example, a spinal cord injury above the level of the sacral spinal cord segments can cause this loss of bladder control.
Understanding this specific type of bladder dysfunction is crucial for proper diagnosis and management. Accurate identification allows clinicians to implement targeted therapies, such as intermittent catheterization or medications, that can improve patient quality of life and prevent complications like urinary tract infections. Historically, management focused on containment, but modern approaches prioritize restoring bladder function and promoting continence.
