Urinary Retention Associated with Stroke.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Urology

Background:

• Urinary retention is a common complication following a stroke.
• Previous studies suggest various brain regions (medulla oblongata, pons, limbic system, frontal lobe) are involved in micturition control, but the specific area causing post-stroke urinary retention remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the specific brain region responsible for urinary retention after a stroke by localizing stroke locations.
• To investigate the association between stroke location and the occurrence of post-stroke urinary retention.

Main Methods:

• Assessed 137 patients (110 cerebral infarction, 27 cerebral hemorrhage) admitted between October 2012 and September 2013.
• Utilized computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine stroke location.
• Evaluated the incidence of post-stroke urinary retention.

Main Results:

• Twelve patients (8.8%) developed urinary retention post-stroke.
• Strokes in the dominant hemisphere were significantly associated with urinary retention (P = 0.0314).
• Specifically, strokes affecting the insula of the dominant hemisphere showed a strong correlation with urinary retention (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Stroke affecting the insula, particularly within the dominant hemisphere, is a significant cause of urinary retention.
• This study highlights the insula's critical role in micturition control following cerebrovascular events.