An unusual case of Dantrolene sodium-induced urinary retention in post-traumatic minimally responsive state

An unusual case of urinary retention is reported occurring during the inpatient rehabilitation of minimally responsive state (MRS) following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Urodynamic evaluation showed detrusor acontractility and subsequent management involved intermittent bladder catheterization and treatment of a single urinary tract infection.

Factors contributing to her bladder paralysis included severe immobility, tetraplegia and treatment of diffuse spasticity with oral Dantrolene sodium 250 mg per day. Constipation, diabetes and spinal cord injury were absent. In addition, she received unilateral partial sciatic neurolysis with 50% alcohol for severe knee flexor spasticity and intra-muscular Botulinum toxin A to both spastic upper limbs.

Bladder acontractility resolved completely when Dantrolene was reduced with subsequent achievement of a catheter-free status and small post-void residual volumes. Repeat urodynamics showed spontaneous detrusor contractions.

A discussion of possible aetiologic factors for detrusor acontracility following TBI is presented including a brief review of the literature.