Stroke, (also called cerebrovascular accident) is caused by a blockage of blood flow (a clot), or a haemorrhage in the brain, resulting in a sudden death of brain cells due to a lack of oxygen1.
This results in a sudden death of brain cells due to a lack of oxygen. So, a person can have an embolic stroke or a haemorrhagic stroke and both can result in different degrees of severity, symptoms and outcomes2.
With a stroke, incontinence is mainly caused by a disruption in the messages from the brain to the bladder or bowel, due to an interruption to blood flow3.
If a stroke affects the brainstem and the pons due to reduced blood supply and oxygen, then incontinence may or will occur.
Not all strokes will result in incontinence, it depends on the severity of the stroke and where in the brain the stroke occurs. Incontinence can sometimes resolve over time.
“Urinary incontinence following stroke will affect more than 1/3 of acute stroke patients”8
“Urinary incontinence will persist in up to 1/4 of cases at one year post event”8
The degree of urinary or faecal incontinence post stroke will be determined by the severity of the stroke and an individual’s response to rehabilitation.
An indwelling catheter may be necessary for some at onset, and for some months afterwards. For others, the urinary and/or faecal incontinence may settle quickly but cognitive and/or physical changes may persist.
Treatment for retention is often aimed at preventing kidney damage. It may include medicine, urinary catheters, antibiotics to reduce the chance of infection, and, in severe cases, surgery. In the early stages of many strokes an IDC might also be required.
Provide a safe environment to reduce the risk of falls and to promote independence.
Install handrails in the bathroom, provide urinal bottles or commode chairs Individuals may need some physical assistance with toileting, adjustment of clothing, perineal hygiene and placement/removal of pant or pad.
Continence Foundation of Australia
continence.org.au
Telephone 1800 330 066
Stroke Foundation of Australia
strokefoundation.org.au
Telephone 1800 787 653
Continence New Zealand
continence.org.nz
Telephone 0800 650 659
Stroke Foundation of New Zealand
stroke.org.nz
Telephone 0800 78 76 53
References:
With over 60 years of experience TENA is the world’s leading incontinence brand*. We offer a full range of absorbent products, skincare and digital health technology solutions that are tailored to the needs of individuals, their families and healthcare professionals.
With TENA, Essity is at the forefront of developing products and services that help improve dignity and the quality of people’s lives. We strive for sustainable continence care with better care and better products.
*Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Retail Adult Incontinence, all channels, RSP value sales, Tissue & Hygiene, 2024 edition.
TENA, a brand of Essity – a global leading hygiene and healthy company. Everyday, our products, solutions and services are used by billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, ModiBodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The Company's headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.
