Urinary symptoms associated with stroke in male patients

This study investigated the occurrence of urinary symptoms (US) in male patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that the US rate in these patients is high.

A stroke is a sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen. This is caused by blockage of blood flow or break of an artery to the brain. The abilities controlled by these cells are lost causing complications such as incontinence. Incontinence consists in the lack of control in urine leakage and affects 32 to 79% of patients with stroke. US are more common in stroke survivors than in the general population. These patients also show greater disability and higher rates of death. Considering this, a treatment strategy may be important to improve the outcomes of these patients.

The frequency and severity of US in patients with stroke is still not clear.

This study included information about 1936 male patients with stroke. They were compared with 90506 male non-stroke participants.

Patients with stroke more frequently reported US such as frequency, urgency, nocturia (waking up at night to urinate), weak stream and incomplete emptying. Patients with stroke also had worse symptoms compare to non-stroke participants. Stroke was found to increase the risk of severe US by 2-fold and for moderate US by 1.4-fold.

This study concluded that stroke is associated with US in male stroke survivors. The authors suggest that these symptoms need to be detected early in order to be properly managed and increase the quality of life of these patients. 

This study included mild or moderate stroke patients. Further studies are needed.

If you have concerns regarding urinary symptoms, please discuss this with your physician.