Urinary disturbances following traumatic brain injury: clinical and urodynamic evaluation

To detect presence of urodynamic abnormalities in patients with traumatic brain injuries.

A prospective study was conducted recruiting patients sustaining moderate or severe head injuries. Clinical and radiological evaluation was done. Neurocognitive and functional outcomes were assessed. Patients then underwent standardized urodynamic studies. The urodynamic findings were correlated with outcome and statistically analyzed.

11 of 20 patients recruited had urodynamic abnormalities, in spite of only two being symptomatic. An overactive detrussor was detected in 8 (one with sphincter dyssynergia) and reduced detrussor compliance was found in 3. Only presence of motor deficits correlated statistically with the occurrence of these abnormalities.

Asymptomatic urodynamic abnormalities may be common in patients with moderate/severe traumatic brain injury. Presence of motor deficits may predict the occurrence of such abnormalities.