Symptom 10: Incontinence
Incontinence in MLD often begins with minor issues. An individual might experience occasional leaks when laughing or coughing, or might have sudden urges to urinate that are difficult to control. While these symptoms can be embarrassing, they’re also important indicators of an issue that should be addressed.
As MLD progresses, incontinence can become more of a challenge. The sudden urges to urinate might become more frequent, and leakage might occur more regularly. In severe cases, an individual may lose all control of their bladder function, leading to a complete reliance on incontinence aids.
The incontinence seen in MLD is due to the buildup of sulfatides in the nerves controlling the bladder. When these nerves are damaged, they’re unable to effectively control bladder function, leading to the symptoms of incontinence.
Early recognition of incontinence can make a significant difference in management and treatment. Even if the initial symptoms seem minor, they should be addressed with a healthcare provider. There are many effective strategies and treatments available to manage incontinence and improve quality of life. (10)
