Neurogenic Bowel after Spinal Cord Injury
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Neurogenic bowel is a condition that causes loss of bowel function after a spinal cord injury (SCI). After a SCI, you may not be able to feel that your bowels are full. Your rectum may not be able to hold in your bowel movement. Bowel movement may leak out or come out in bursts.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Help control your bowel function:
Your may be able to learn how to control your bowel function with a bowel management program. Bowel management programs help you have bowel movements at regular times. This may help prevent leakage. Ask for more information about bowel management programs.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
MiraLAX
MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) is used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation or irregular ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Colace
Colace makes bowel movements softer and is used to treat or prevent constipation. Includes Colace ...
Lasix
Lasix is a loop diuretic used to treat fluid retention from heart, liver, or kidney conditions, and ...
Dulcolax
Dulcolax (bisacodyl) is a laxative used to treat constipation. Includes Dulcolax side effects ...
Imodium
Imodium is used for diarrhea, diarrhea, acute, diarrhea, chronic, irritable bowel syndrome ...
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that is primarily used to treat heart failure, high ...
Polyethylene glycol 3350
Polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic is used for bowel preparation, constipation, constipation, acute ...
Eat a variety of healthy foods:
Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Healthy foods may help you have regular bowel movements.
Drink liquids as directed:
Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Liquids help prevent constipation and soften your bowel movements.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You have a swollen, firm abdomen.
- You have pain in your rectum.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Seek care immediately or call 911 if:
- You have blood in your bowel movement or coming from your rectum.
- You have vomiting or diarrhea for 2 or more days.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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