ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to outline for the reader the many neurologic processes that can serve as the risk factor for the development of neurogenic bladder. The neurogenic bladder is an entity with many different characteristics. It is not a disease in and of itself, but rather the manifestation of multiple different neurologic processes capable of exerting effects on the bladder by way of its innervation. The outward expression of these effects by the bladder is as varied as the conditions that cause them, ranging from essentially no detrusor activity at all to extreme detrusor overactivity. Cerebrovascular accident or stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among the elderly. Causes include cerebral embolus, atherosclerotic thrombus, and hemorrhage. Acute urinary retention, commonly known as cerebral shock, is often seen immediately after stroke. The neurophysiologic mechanism of this is unknown and it may not necessarily be the result of the stroke.
