The nerve growth factor (NGF) is released from smooth muscle cells of the bladder, and there are reports, that the concentration of NGF is elevated in the urine of patients with bladder dysfunction. The NGF concentration can also be measured in the blood. The concentration of NGF in the blood and urine of SCI individuals has not yet been investigated. These concentrations may correlate with the severity of bladder dysfunction, and may thus be used to replace or at least reduce the number of the more invasive urodynamic examinations.