Prevalence and management of urinary incontinence in stroke survivors

Urinary incontinence after stroke is common and is closely associated with a poor outcome and depression in both stroke survivor and carer. Despite the personal, economic and psycho-social costs, research into the management of urinary incontinence in stroke survivors is sparse. The purpose of this review is, therefore, to present current knowledge of the association between urinary incontinence and stroke and its management in order to promote research in this field. We have used the term ‘stroke survivor’ throughout to include any person who has had a stroke in the past and has come into contact with hospitals and specialist treatment, as well as those living in the community. The term ‘stroke patient’ is referred to only if that term was used in the original paper.