Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence is characterized by involuntary voiding within a few seconds to minutes after the need to urinate is sensed. If the person is mobile enough, the symptom may be of urinary urgency without incontinence. The amount of urine leaked is usually moderate to large, and nocturnal symptoms are common. The post-void residual is usually low. Urge incontinence is probably the most common type of incontinence in the elderly. It may be exacerbated if mobility is poor or if the environment or patient's clothing do not allow quick access to toileting. It is generally caused by an overactive detrusor muscle. Urge incontinence may occur with incomplete emptying of the bladder, a syndrome called detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility (DHIC).