A suprapontine lesion is damage to the brain above the pons, a part of the brainstem. The pons helps control things like breathing and bladder function. When there’s damage above this area, it can cause problems with bladder control, like difficulty holding urine or frequent urges to go. This kind of damage can happen from things like strokes or brain injuries.

A spinal infraprontine-suprasacral lesion is nerve damage in the spinal cord that happens between the brainstem and the lower back. This can affect the signals between the brain, spinal cord, and bladder, causing problems like trouble urinating, leaking urine, or not being able to empty the bladder fully. This type of damage can happen due to spinal cord injuries or certain diseases.

A Sacral/infrasacral lesion is a nerve injury or damage affecting the lower part of the spine. This can interfere with the messages between the brain, spine, and bladder, causing problems like trouble holding urine, weak bladder muscles, or difficulty emptying the bladder. These nerve injuries can happen due to spinal cord damage, diabetes, or birth conditions like spina bifida.

If you have neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, it can lead to short- and long-term problems:

The most serious issue is kidney damage caused by too much pressure in your bladder.
If your bladder has too much pressure when holding or releasing urine, it can weaken and lose its ability to empty properly.
Not emptying your bladder completely or having urine flow back to your kidneys can cause repeated urinary tract infections, which may harm your organs or even affect your whole body.

Which applies to you?