Is there a relationship between chronic bladder dysfunction and somatic symptoms in other body regions? 1. Clinical observations.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of patients with chronic bladder dysfunction regarding associated general symptoms and complaints in the cervico-facial, upper and lower extremity regions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated history, physical and special neurourological examination and urodynamic studies in 213 patients with non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction. RESULTS: 22 patients out of 213 patients with chronic bladder dysfunction reported reproducible associated symptoms involving the temporo-mandibular joint, the distal forearm/hand or feet and headache. There was an obvious clinical connection regarding the severity of bladder dysfunction and associated symptoms and possible relief of both by successful treatment. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic lower urinary tract dysfunction may accompanied by specific muscular and or sensory disturbances in different areas of the body. These associated pathologies in patients without neurological disease can be explained by functional changes in a complex autonomic peripheral and central nervous network.