Which type of incontinence is caused by damage to the nerves of the bladder and often presents as not being able to get to the bathroom in time?

• A. Overflow incontinence
• B. Urge incontinence
• C. Functional incontinence
• D. Urinary retention

Answer: (B)

Damage to the nerves that control the bladder can cause the detrusor muscle to become overactive, leading to neurogenic detrusor overactivity. When the bladder contracts involuntarily, a sudden, compelling urge to urinate arises, and leakage can occur if a bathroom isn’t reached in time. That pattern—an abrupt urge with leakage if not promptly accessible—best fits urge incontinence, especially in the context of nervous system or bladder nerve damage.

Overflow incontinence, by contrast, happens when the bladder is overly full and leaks gradually or dribbles due to poor emptying, not because of a sudden urge. Functional incontinence stems from external factors like mobility or cognitive issues preventing bathroom access, not from nerve-driven bladder contractions. Urinary retention is a failure to empty the bladder, which is the opposite of leakage.