Impact of neurological problems on urinary continence

Nurses care for patients with neurological problems in many health-care settings. Urinary incontinence frequently occurs in patients with neurological disorders and can be a source of great distress. One study of patients with chronic neurological problems aged 15-59 years revealed that 83% of the 117 men and 36% of the 188 women surveyed had urinary symptoms (Thomas et al, 1988). This article reviews the ways in which continence is affected in this client group and suggests how nurses can help these patients.