Disruption of sensation-dependent bladder emptying due to bladder overdistension in a complete spinal cord injury: A case report

This case report discusses a patient with a complete spinal cord injury who had successfully managed their bladder using a method called sensation-dependent bladder emptying (SDBE) for 23 years. SDBE relies on the patient's ability to sense bladder fullness. However, after an episode of bladder overdistension leading to autonomic dysreflexia (AD), the patient's bladder sensation changed. The familiar sensation was replaced by pain, and the volume at which they felt the urge to urinate became unpredictable. Ultimately, the patient had to undergo a cystostomy because they could no longer rely on their bladder sensation for emptying. This case highlights the importance of preventing bladder overdistension in patients with SCI who use SDBE.

• 1
  Bladder overdistension in a patient with complete SCI disrupted a long-standing SDBE routine.
• 2
  The patient's bladder filling sensation changed from a predictable sensation (itching in the nose) to an unpredictable painful sensation in the abdomen and precordial area.
• 3
  Urodynamic studies revealed decreased bladder capacity and hypersensitivity after the episode of autonomic dysreflexia.