About this topic
A neurogenic bowel is caused by a block in the pathway of the nerve signals between your bowel and your brain. This causes a loss of normal bowel function. ‚
Your bowel is a muscular organ that stores and moves waste products from the food you eat. This solid waste is your stool or bowel movement. In most cases, the nerves in the bowel and brain tell your body to: ‚
- Move the stool through your bowels
- Let you pass gas, but keep your stool inside
- Keep your stool inside of your bowels until it is time to have a bowel movement
- Relax and have a bowel movement when your bowels are full
What are the causes?
An injury to your spinal cord is the most common cause of the problems of a neurogenic bowel. Based on the level or place of injury to your spinal cord, you may have problems with: ‚
- Not being able to relax your anal sphincter to pass stool through your rectum
- How the stool moves through your bowels
- Keeping the stool and gas inside of your bowels, or incontinence
You can also have neurogenic bowel problems if you have other serious illnesses like: ‚
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Myelomeningocele
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig disease
What are the main signs?
- Hard stools and trouble passing stool
- Bowel accidents or frequent bowel movements
- Not able to pass stool on your own
- Not able to feel when your bowel is full
- Upset stomach
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will ask you questions and do an exam, as well as check your anus. The doctor will want to know about: ‚
- How often you have bowel movements
- If your stools are hard or loose
- If you need to take drugs to help pass stool
- If you have leakage of stool
The doctor may order: ‚
- X-rays
- MRI or CT scan
- Muscle tests or other tests to see how well your bowels move
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will work with you to make a bowel program to help you manage your bowel movements. This will allow you to go about your daily life with less accidents. Your doctor may suggest trying to time having a bowel movement with your food intake. Your doctor may ask you to increase the fiber in your diet. You may need other care like: ‚
- Bowel irrigations
- Stomach massage
- Biofeedback
- Electrical stimulation
- Digital (finger) stimulation
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help your bowels move
- Add bulk to your stool
- Soften your stool
Will surgery be needed?
Some people with a neurogenic bowel decide to have a colostomy. This lets stool drain straight into a pouch or bag. Other treatments may include an implant or man-made sphincter. Talk with your doctor to learn more about these choices to manage your bowel movements. ‚
Helpful tips
Take extra care to prevent skin breakdown from bowel accidents. ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2016-01-19 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚