• Neurogenic bowel is marked by loss of voluntary control of the external rectal sphincter, tight reflexive sphincter tone, retained stool, and constipation. To aid bowel regulation, the patient may need a bowel regimen of stool softeners and a high-fiber diet along with low-volume enemas, glycerin, or bisacodyl suppositories or digital rectal stimulation to cause reflexive evacuation after the morning meal. (Gastric distention activates bowel motility.) To reduce the risk of constipation-induced AD, perform a digital check of the rectum for retained stool.