The use of the neurologic exam to predict awareness and control of lower urinary tract function post SCI.

Abstract

Cross-sectional study. To assess whether T11-L2 sensation is significantly associated with perception of bladder filling and whether S3-S5 sensation is significantly associated with potential for voluntary voiding after spinal cord injury (SCI). Alabama, United States. A total of 79 men and women with SCI, and 40 able-bodied (AB) subjects, ages 19-60, seen in an outpatient academic medical center clinic, underwent International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI) assessment along with urodynamic testing to assess lower urinary tract (LUT) function. X² test was performed to compare: (1) bladder sensation across T11-L2 groups classified by total sensory scores and (2) ability to voluntarily void across S3-S5 scores. Persons with greater ability to perceive pinprick and light touch sensation in the T11-L2 dermatomes were more likely to perceive bladder filling both via self-report and by urodynamics. However, persons with greater sensation at T6-T9 and S3-5 also had a greater likelihood of perceiving bladder filling. Subjects with greater preservation of sensation in S3-5 reported greater ability to initiate and control voiding. Findings suggest ISNCSCI results along with self-report can be used to predict potential for bladder control. National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research.