Bladder tone in patients in post-traumatic vegetative state

The aim of the present study was to examine the bladder tone in vegetative patients using urodynamic tests The study population consisted of 17 patien ts, 13 men and lour women, in a post-traumatic vegetative state under treat ment at the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Centre. Tints since injury ranged fr om 1 to 6 months. Cystometry results indicated that 100% of the patients ha d neurogenic bladder, hypertonic type, two (12%) with mild spasticity and 1 5 (88%) with revere spasticity. None showed detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia or unstable bladder. Based on these unequivocal findings, it is suggested c hat all patients in trauma-induced vegetative state be treated prophylactic ally from the 2nd week with anricholinergic agents.