Urology
Pinpointing Causes of Overactive Bladder in Brain
By University of Pittsburgh
Jan 24, 2006 - 6:04:00 PM

Millions of people have the sudden urge to go, often at the most inconvenient times -- a condition called overactive bladder. Although little is known about the causes of overactive bladder in otherwise healthy people, new research reported in a recent issue of the Journal of Urology and at a recent meeting of the International Continence Society suggests part of the answer can be found in a certain area of the brain.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI technology, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh scanned the brains of six people with good bladder control and six people with poor bladder control while filling and withdrawing liquid from their bladders.

Those with good bladder control had increased activity in the orbitofrontal cortex, a region of the brain associated with deciding between alternative courses of action. In contrast, fMRI showed that those with poor bladder control had little activity in this part of the brain, even when their bladders were full. Instead, other parts of their brains were activated.

According to lead author, Derek Griffiths, Ph.D., professor of geriatric medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, finding that poor bladder control is associated with weak activation of the orbitofrontal cortex is consistent with clinical observations that stroke and other types of injury to this part of the brain can cause bladder problems. This study suggests that treatment strategies for overactive bladder should target the brain rather than the bladder, adds Dr. Griffiths.

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