Treatment of urinary retention in stroke patients

Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Updated on September 09, 2024
00:00
00:00

In cases of urinary retention after a stroke, some patients experience this due to psychological factors, concerns, and the sudden need to remain in bed, making it difficult to urinate in bed since they cannot stand or squat. Therefore, the first step is to alleviate psychological factors, provide patient communication and counseling, and perform massages around the navel and abdomen, along with heat treatments, to help patients urinate on their own. In a second scenario, where the patient's condition is severe or even comatose, and they have difficulty urinating, a catheter can be placed. It's important to first try to rule out a urinary tract infection, collect a midstream urine sample for analysis, and ensure the catheter is not left in longer than necessary. Once the patient's condition improves or they regain consciousness, the catheter should be removed promptly to avoid any urinary tract infections.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
1min 4sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Symptoms of stroke vary greatly, and it is crucial to judge based on the circumstances. The symptoms are mainly divided into two major categories: hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. The most common symptoms of hemorrhagic stroke are severe headaches, projectile vomiting, and the gradual onset of consciousness disorders. Some people might also experience limb numbness, weakness, speech impediments, and other conditions. The most common symptoms of ischemic stroke include dizziness, limb numbness, and speech impediments; sometimes, these symptoms alternate, so it is essential to pay attention to clinical observations and focus on differential diagnosis. There are also other types of symptoms, such as cognitive decline, urinary and fecal incontinence, unstable gait, swallowing difficulties, and coughing while swallowing. Therefore, it is imperative to visit a hospital in a timely manner for testing to clearly understand the specific changes in the patient's condition at that time, thus better facilitating the patient’s recovery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
1min 3sec home-news-image

The treatment goals in the early stage of stroke

Stroke includes hemorrhagic and ischemic types. Whether it is hemorrhagic or ischemic, hospitalization is necessary during the acute phase. Depending on the patient's condition, if it is hemorrhagic, the amount of bleeding should be considered to decide whether to opt for surgical treatment or conservative treatment. If it is ischemic, and the treatment is initiated within the therapeutic time window, that is within 4.5 hours, thrombolytic therapy can be administered, which may potentially reverse the symptoms of the stroke. If the time window is missed, then conservative treatment is required. Acute cerebral infarction in its acute phase can potentially worsen, so the primary goal of acute phase treatment is to stabilize the condition. After stabilization, rehabilitation and physical therapy can gradually improve the patient's symptoms.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
45sec home-news-image

What department should I go to for a stroke?

Stroke is classified into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. If symptoms of a stroke occur, such as slurred speech, limb weakness, or other neurological deficits, one should immediately seek medical attention at the emergency department of a local hospital. Emergency doctors will perform a head CT scan. If ischemia is present, the CT scan might not show changes within 24 hours, in which case a visit to the neurology department is necessary. If hemorrhage is detected, then a visit to the neurosurgery department is required. However, if the symptoms are of a chronic, old stroke, then a visit to the neurology department is needed.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
42sec home-news-image

The difference between stroke and cerebral hemorrhage

Stroke includes hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke refers to cerebral hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke refers to cerebral infarction. Thus, they are included in the category of stroke. If symptoms similar to stroke occur, such as facial droop and limb weakness, along with a sudden increase in blood pressure, it is essential to go to the hospital immediately. The first step should be a cranial CT scan to determine whether it is a hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, to guide further different treatments. Therefore, one must go to the hospital promptly if such symptoms appear.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Chao Jin Zi
Neurorehabilitation
1min 17sec home-news-image

Basic Principles of Stroke Rehabilitation Treatment

There are several key principles for stroke rehabilitation. The first emphasizes that rehabilitation should start as early as possible. In cases of ischemic stroke, generally when the patient is conscious and vital signs are stable, rehabilitation can begin after 48 hours. For patients with high blood pressure or cerebral hemorrhage, it is generally recommended to start rehabilitation after seven days. The second principle emphasizes the active participation of the patient, encouraging patients to actively engage in rehabilitation training and communicate with therapists to achieve functional improvement. The third point emphasizes comprehensive rehabilitation; stroke patients often have issues in multiple areas such as language, cognition, swallowing, limb movement, and functional balance, so it is suggested that patients undergo comprehensive rehabilitation rather than focusing on just one aspect. The fourth point stresses the continuity of rehabilitation, as rehabilitation therapy is an ongoing process.