What Is Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare disorder that usually is a surgical emergency. In patients with cauda equina syndrome, something compresses on the spinal nerve roots. You may need fast treatment to prevent lasting damage leading to incontinence and possibly permanent paralysis of the legs. Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition caused by compression of the nerves in the lower portion of the spinal canal. Cauda equina syndrome is considered a surgical emergency because if left untreated it can lead to permanent loss of bowel and bladder control and paralysis of the legs. Some causes include: Trauma, Herniated Disk, Spinal Stenosis, Tumors (Neoplasms), Inflammatory conditions such as Paget’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis, Infections conditions such as abbess, accidental medical causes like poorly positioned screws in the spine, and spinal taps. Consult a doctor for medical advice.
Symptoms
- Motor weakness
- pain in one, or more commonly both legs
- Recent onset of bladder dysfunction (such as urinary retention or incontinence)
- Saddle anesthesia (unable to feel anything in the body areas that sit on a saddle)
- sensory loss
- Severe low back pain
- Sexual dysfunction that has come on suddenly
Treatment
- Depending on the cause of your CES, you may also need high doses of corticosteroids to reduce swelling
- Even with treatment, you may not retrieve full function. It depends on how much damage has occurred
- If a tumor is responsible, radiation or chemotherapy may be needed after surgery
- If surgery is successful, you may continue to recover bladder and bowel function over a period of years
- If you are diagnosed with an infection you may need antibiotics
- It is best if this occurs within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms
- Relieve pressure on nerves
- Surgery must be done quickly to prevent permanent damage, such as paralysis of the legs, loss of bladder and bowel control, sexual function, or other problems
