Research into the pathophysiology of overactive bladder (OAB) is complicated by its subjective nature, making animal models challenging to develop. However, a strong connection between OAB symptoms and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and dementia has been established. These neurological conditions often disrupt the normal micturition process, leading to symptoms of OAB. Despite this, OAB symptoms in neurological diseases are frequently under-recognized, and conventional treatments may not be effective.

This review provides an in-depth look at the relationship between OAB and neurological diseases, highlighting the complex mechanisms that contribute to its development. It details how various neurological lesions, including those in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, can lead to neurogenic OAB symptoms. Additionally, it discusses potential therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms. The findings emphasize the importance of raising awareness of OAB symptoms in neurological disorders to improve diagnosis and treatment. The review also calls for further research to better understand the mechanisms underlying neurogenic OAB and to develop more effective treatments for this common and often debilitating condition.

Reference: Qin C, Wang Y, Gao Y. Overactive Bladder Symptoms Within Nervous System: A Focus on Etiology. Front Physiol. 2021;12:747144. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.747144.