If you are the caregiver of an elderly loved one with incontinence, the first step that should be taken, is having a thorough medical workup and diagnosis of the cause of the incontinence. The initial doctor’s visit will include a great amount of information gathering. Once the information has been gathered, the senior’s doctor will determine what medical tests will be needed, in order to diagnosis the cause of the incontinence.

Because incontinence can be an emotional charged issue, it can be helpful, for both the caregiver and the senior to know what kind of tests might be performed and what can be expected. Some of the tests that most likely will be included in a diagnostic workup include but are not limited to:

– The taking of a complete medical history-It is crucial that the doctor know the patient’s entire medical history, in order to make a constructive diagnosis. No details, should be left out, even if the patient or caregiver feels that they are not relevant.

– A complete physical-It is important for the elderly patient to understand that this exam will take place with a particular emphasis on the abdomen and genitals.

– A urine sample will be needed-This sample will be tested for infection, traces of blood or other abnormalities.
– A neurological exam-Many time’s incontinence can be brought on by a neurological problem. These tests will be done to identify sensory problems.

– A urinary stress test-If stress incontinence is suspected then this test will be performed, by having the doctor observe urine loss when the patient coughs or bears down.

There may be other specialized tests that your doctor may order, in order to help them determine the cause of the incontinence. Once these test have been performed, the patient, caregiver and doctor can review the results, and decide on a treatment strategy. These tests can include but are not limited to:

– Measuring of residual urine-Many times patients will urinary incontinence are not able to completely empty their bladder. To measure any urine that is left within the bladder, after urinating, a catheter is passed into the bladder. This small thin tube will then drain out the remaining urine, which is then measured. Some doctors choose to use an ultrasound of the bladder, in order to what contents are not being emptied.

– Measuring of bladder pressure-This test known as cystometry measures the pressure in bladder while it is filling. This is done by using a catheter to fill your bladder slowly with warm water. This procedure is then used in conjunction with a voiding study. This tells whether the muscle that connects the urethra to the bladder (urinary sphincter) will exert enough pressure, in order to keep the urethra closed as the bladder pressure rises.

It is crucial to know that incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. Most incontinence is caused by certain medial conditions that include but are not limited to: pelvic injuries, certain diseases, infection, and degenerative conditions that are associated with aging. In addition, it is important to realize that certain medications may also bring on incontinence.

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