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Incontinence After Stroke

Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:11 pm
by Maxi05
I am 57 and had a stroke 6 weeks ago and have been suffering with light urine incontinence. Is this normal when you have a stroke?

Re: Incontinence After Stroke

Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 9:16 pm
by Mr Ased Ali
Yes, this is quite common. There are different reasons why you may develop continence problems after a stroke. For example, as with any serious illness or accident, if you are not fully conscious or aware of your surroundings, you can wet or soil yourself unknowingly.

It is possible that your stroke has damaged the part of the brain that controls your bladder and / or the bowel. Like the other after-effects, this may take time to recover. Some medicines like diuretics, which may be taken to help lower your blood pressure after a stroke, may initially affect bladder control.

If you have difficulty mobilising or need help getting to the toilet then you may not always be able to get there in time. The same may be true if you have communication difficulties and cannot make yourself understood in time. In addition, the extra exertion involved in moving may itself make it more difficult to maintain bladder control.

Reduced mobility can also lead to constipation which in turn may cause bladder problems. Existing mild incontinence problems from before a stroke are often made worse by any lengthy period in bed. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also more common during any period of inactivity (particularly if you also needed a catheter for a period of time) and these too may cause temporary incontinence.

Many symptoms get better over time and those that don't can often be managed by medication or short procedures. If your problems are persistence, it's important that you see your primary care doctor who in turn can refer your further assessment by a Urologist.