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Review
. 2025 May;46(5):1965-1976.
doi: 10.1007/s10072-025-08002-3. Epub 2025 Jan 29.

Multiple system atrophy related neurogenic bladder: mechanism and treatment

Gengqing Ren  1 , Yao Wang  2 , Hao Tian  1 , Kaige Zhang  1 , Han Zhang  1 , Xiaoxu Liu  1 , Zhigang Chen  3
Affiliations
Review

Multiple system atrophy related neurogenic bladder: mechanism and treatment

Gengqing Ren et al. Neurol Sci. 2025 May.

Abstract

Background: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by its aggressive nature. Its main clinical features include autonomic dysfunction, Parkinson's disease, and cerebellar ataxia.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature, exploring studies and reports related to the mechanisms and treatment of multiple system atrophy related neurogenic bladder. Our aim is to provide a detailed and up-to-date overview of its underlying pathophysiology and current therapeutic strategies.

Results and conclusion: Neurogenic bladder, a common manifestation of MSA, often goes untreated or mistreated, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Early-stage bladder dysfunction is frequent in MSA patients and correlates with disease severity. The mechanisms of MSA related neurogenic bladder are related to the autonomic nervous system, somatic nerves, frontal cortex, brainstem, and sacral medulla center. Currently, treatment for MSA related neurogenic bladder is mainly symptomatic, and specific drugs are lacking. Further in-depth research is needed to develop more effective therapeutic options that improve patients' quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.

Keywords: Multiple system atrophy; Neurodegenerative disease; Neurogenic bladder; Urinary incontinence; Urine retention.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Ethics statement: This study is a systematic review of published studies; therefore, ethics approval was not required. Ethical approval and Informed consent statement: None.

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