Relationship between urinary dysfunction and clinical factors in patients with traumatic brain injury

Examination of relations between urinary dysfunction and Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) values and other clinical factors.

Twenty-nine patients with TBI were included in the study. Patients' demographic values, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary drainage methods were recorded. Functional assessment was performed using FIM. Urodynamic studies were carried out and maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), storage and voiding function, type of detrusor, urodynamic abnormality and post-void residual urine volume values were investigated.

Total FIM and FIM sphincter control sub-group scores were significantly lower in patients with storage dysfunction and urodynamic abnormality than patients without storage dysfunction and urodynamic abnormality (p < 0.05). In tetraparetic patients, frequency of storage dysfunction was significantly higher than hemiparetic patients (p < 0.05). Urodynamic abnormality was detected in five of nine patients with LUTS and in 12 of 20 patients without LUTS. There was no significant correlation between LUTS and urodynamic abnormality (p > 0.05).

Storage dysfunction and urodynamic abnormality is associated with poorly functional outcomes in TBI patients. There is a direct correlation between motor deficit and urodynamic abnormality. All of the TBI patients with or without LUTS should be evaluated neuro-urologically; urodynamic evaluation and treatment should be arranged if needed.