Neuro-Urology Program
Expert care for bladder issues related to neurological conditions
The bladder, urinary tract, brain, spinal cord, and nerves work together in a complex system. When a neurological condition or nerve injury disrupts this system, patients may experience urinary urgency, leakage, difficulty emptying the bladder, pain with urination, frequent urination, recurrent infections, or other voiding problems.
Our specialists evaluate and treat lower urinary tract symptoms related to conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spina bifida, stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, diabetes, and other neurological or metabolic disorders. We work with each patient to understand the cause of their symptoms and create a personalized plan that supports comfort, independence, and quality of life.
Lower urinary tract symptoms related to neurological disease can be complex. These symptoms often involve communication between the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bladder, and urinary tract.
Because every patient’s condition is different, specialized evaluation is important. Our neuro-urology specialists focus on identifying the specific cause of symptoms and designing treatment plans that reflect each patient’s neurological condition, functional needs, and personal goals.
Mass General Brigham brings together urologists, neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, and other experts to provide coordinated care for patients with neurogenic bladder and related urinary concerns.
Our approach to neuro-urology care
During your first visit, your care team may:
- Review your medical history, neurological diagnosis, medications, prior treatments, current symptoms, and notes from your referring physician
- Discuss urinary symptoms as well as related bowel or sexual function concerns
- Talk with you about your daily routine, mobility, independence, quality of life, and treatment goals
- Recommend diagnostic testing to better understand bladder function
Please bring medical records, prior imaging, test results, a current medication list, and any relevant information from your neurologist or referring clinician.
After evaluation and testing, your neuro urology specialist will create a treatment plan based on your symptoms, diagnosis, neurological condition, health history, and goals.
Whenever possible, we begin with conservative treatments that are safe, effective, and least disruptive to daily life. Treatment may include:
- Lifestyle and behavioral strategies
- Bladder training
- Oral medication
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Catheter based management when appropriate
- Injection therapies for incontinence or voiding dysfunction
- Nerve stimulation therapies
- Sacral neuromodulation
- Reconstructive surgery for complex conditions
Some patients have symptoms that do not improve with conservative therapy. In these cases, our specialists may recommend procedural or surgical treatment to improve bladder control, bladder emptying, comfort, and long-term urinary tract health.
Mass General Brigham specialists have expertise in complex genitourinary reconstructive surgery and advanced treatments for neurogenic bladder, incontinence, and voiding dysfunction.
Patients benefit from collaboration across Mass General Brigham, including urology, neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pelvic floor physical therapy, primary care, neurosurgery, and other specialties when needed.
This team-based approach helps patients receive comprehensive care for urinary symptoms and related neurological, mobility, bowel, sexual function, and quality of life concerns.
Our specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to determine how your bladder and urinary tract are functioning. Testing may include:
- Urine testing
- Blood tests
- Imaging such as X ray/CT scans/MRI
- Office based testing such as bladder scans to measure post void residuals
- Cystoscopy when appropriate
- Urodynamic testing to understand how the bladder stores and releases urine
Most testing is performed in an outpatient setting and is noninvasive or minimally invasive.
Conditions and treatments
- Urinary Incontinence
- Neurogenic Bladder
- Urinary Retention (Male)
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB)
- Autonomic Dysreflexia
- Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
- Radiation-induced Urinary Injury
- Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Obstruction
- Hydronephrosis
- Urethral Trauma from Catheters
- Urinary Tract Fistulas
- Bladder Pain Syndromes
- Low Compliance Bladder
- Congenital Neurogenic Bladder
- Vesicoureteral Reflux
- Ureteral Strictures
- Urethral Stricture Disease
- Urinary Retention (Female)
- Sacral Neuromodulation
- Continent Urinary Diversion
- Bladder Augmentation
- Catheterizable Channel Creation
- Artificial Urinary Sphincter in Males
- Incontinent Urinary Diversion
- Bladder Neck Reconstruction
- Urodynamics
- Botulinum Toxin Bladder Injections
- Urinary Fistula Repair
- Ureter Reconstruction
- Suprapubic Tube
- Urethral Slings
- Sphincterotomy
- Bladder Neck Closure
- Ureteral Reimplant
- Gender Affirming Surgery
- Partial Cystectomy
- Ureteral Stricture Surgery (Ureteroplasty)
Contact Neuro-Urology
Massachusetts General Hospital
857-238-3838
Brigham and Women's Hospital
617-732-6325
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital
617-732-6325
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
413-785-5321
Martha's Vineyard Hospital
508-957-0189
Salem Hospital
978-741-4133
Wentworth Douglass Hospital
603-742-5252