Is impaired perception of bladder filling during cystometry a sign of neuropathy?

The sensation of bladder filling during cystometry was evaluated in 627 consecutive patients. The groups of patients with various patterns of impaired sensation included significantly more patients with confirmed neuropathy than did the group whose perception of bladder filling was normal. When sensation was absent, or only 1 of 3 types was reported by patients without known neuropathy, further investigation revealed abnormal afferent innervation of the lower urinary tract in 35%. These data suggest the need for further neurological evaluation in such patients.