Post-CVA voiding dysfunctions: clinical insights and literature review

Abstract

Urinary incontinence and other voiding dysfunctions are common sequelae post CVA (cerebrovascualar accident). Urinary incontinence declines over time; however, other voiding issues appear. Voiding dysfunctions not only have a significant impact on a person's quality of life and mortality, but also impact the person's caregiver. Urodynamic studies are important to help further understand, develop and direct bladder management. However, studies evaluating urodynamic findings in those with urinary incontinence shortly after CVA (within 3 months) are limited. While uninhibited contractions are the most common urodynamic finding in post-CVA incontinence, a number of men and women have other urodynamic findings causing incontinence. The type, onset, resolution and urodynamics of post-CVA symptoms other than urinary incontinence are rarely discussed. A literature review emphasizes that further research is needed not only in the evaluation of the most effective bladder management strategies for urinary incontinence, but also in the area of post stroke voiding dysfunction as a whole.