Difference Between Spastic Bladder and Flaccid Bladder

Spastic bladder and Flaccid Bladder are two extremes to bladder dysfunction:. They have different causes, symptoms, and methods of treatment. A flaccid bladder is characterized by underactivity and problems with retention, whereas a spastic bladder is characterized by overactivity and frequent urination. 

Comparative Analysis of Spastic Bladder and Flaccid Bladder

Below is the difference between spastic bladder and flaccid bladder in tabular format:

Feature Spastic Bladder Flaccid Bladder
Definition Overactive bladder with involuntary contractions Atonic bladder with inability to contract
Primary Causes Neurological disorders (MS, stroke, etc.) Neurological diseases, diabetes, chronic overdistention
Main Symptoms Frequent urination, urgency, urge incontinence, nocturia Urinary retention, overflow incontinence, frequent urination, recurrent UTIs
Bladder Function Involuntary contractions, frequent emptying Incomplete emptying, poor contraction
Diagnosis Methods Urodynamic studies, bladder diaries Post-void residual volume measurement, urodynamic studies
Common Treatments Medications, lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, neuromodulation Catheterization, medications, bladder augmentation, lifestyle adjustments

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What is Spastic Bladder?

A spastic bladder, also known as an overactive bladder, is characterized by involuntary contractions of detrusor muscle ( a muscle which forms a layer of the wall of the bladder)

causes sudden and uncontrollable urges to urinate. 

Causes

This condition can be caused by various neurological disorders, including:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Stroke
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Traumatic Brain Injury

These conditions disrupt the normal c brain to bladder communication, causing sudden and unexpected contraction of bladder.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of Spastic bladder are:

  • Frequent Urination: Needing to urinate more than eight times within a period of 24 hours.
  • Urgency: An unexpected, strong urge to urinate that is frequently accompanied by the inability to hold it in.
  • Urge Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine following a sudden urge to urinate.
  • Nocturia: Frequent urination during the night.

Treatment Methods

The aim of Spastic bladder treatment is to reduce the symptoms

  • Medications: Anticholinergics, beta-3 adrenergic agonists, and Botox injections can help relax the bladder muscles.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Fluid control, bladder training, and dietary modifications.
  • Exercises for the Pelvic Floor: Developing stronger pelvic floor muscles to enhance bladder control.
  • Neuromodulation: Techniques like sacral nerve stimulation to regulate bladder function.

What is a Flaccid Bladder ?

A Flaccid bladder also known as atonic bladder is the inability of the detrusor muscle to contract adequately, due to this the bladder cannot be emptied completely.

Causes

This condition can be caused by:

  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Neurological Diseases: Such as multiple sclerosis.
  • Chronic Overdistention: Due to prolonged bladder outlet obstruction.

Symptoms

The major symptoms of a flaccid bladder include:

  • Urinary Retention : Inability to completely empty the bladder
  • Overflow Incontinence: Leakage of little amounts of urine due to a full bladder.
  • Frequent Urination: Needing to urinate more frequently, but often passing only small amounts of urine.
  • Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Due to incomplete bladder emptying.

Treatment Methods

  • Intermittent Catheterization: Periodically inserting catheter to empty bladder completely
  • Indwelling Catheterization: Continuous drainage of urine through a catheter.
  • Medications: Medicines which stimulate bladder contraction (Cholinergic agents )
  • Bladder Augmentation: Surgical procedures to increase bladder capacity.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Scheduled voiding and fluid management.

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Key Differences Between Spastic and Flaccid Bladder

The involuntary contraction of the bladder muscle that results in frequent and urgent urination is the hallmark of a spastic bladder while, the inability of the bladder to contract correctly, leading to incomplete bladder emptying and urine retention is the characteristic of Flaccid bladder.

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FAQ's

What causes a spastic bladder?

A spastic bladder can be caused by various neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injuries, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury. These conditions disrupt the normal communication between the brain and the bladder.

What are the symptoms of a spastic bladder?

The primary symptoms of a spastic bladder include frequent urination (more than eight times in 24 hours), urgency (sudden and intense urge to urinate), urge incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine), and nocturia (frequent urination during the night).

What are the symptoms of a flaccid bladder?

Symptoms of a flaccid bladder include urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder), overflow incontinence (leakage of small amounts of urine due to a full bladder), frequent urination (often passing only small amounts of urine), and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

What is the main difference between a spastic bladder and a flaccid bladder?

The involuntary contraction of the bladder muscle that results in frequent and urgent urination is the hallmark of a spastic bladder while, the inability of the bladder to contract correctly, leading to incomplete bladder emptying and urine retention is the characteristic of Flaccid bladder.

What treatment options are available for a flaccid bladder?

Treatment for a flaccid bladder includes periodic catheterization ,indwelling catheterization (continuous drainage of urine through a catheter), medications (cholinergic agents to stimulate bladder contractions), bladder augmentation surgery ,and lifestyle adjustments such as scheduled voiding and fluid management.