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Can Disc Damage Cause Incontinence?

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a massive herniated disc in the lumbar region that causes compression of the nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord, leading to incontinence and potentially permanent paraplegia.

  1. Cauda equina syndrome (CES)

    • The cauda equina is a sack of nerve roots located at the end of the spinal cord. They are part of the system that provides motor and sensory functions to the legs, bladder and bowel. Cauda equina syndrome occurs as a result of a severe compression of the nerve roots, causing incontinence and paralysis.

    Causes

    • Age related degeneration accompanied by acute strain or injury can result in CES. Other possible causes include: spinal lesions and tumors, infections, inflammation, and lumbar spinal stenosis.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of CES include extreme lower back pain, leg weakness, sensory loss, pain, numbness, bladder and bowel incontinence, sexual dysfunction and paralysis.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosing CES can be done using an MRI to create 3-D images of the spinal cord and nerve roots, or using a myleogram x-ray, which utilizes a dye contrast to highlight spinal abnormalities.

    Treatment

    • Emergency surgery is critical to reverse sensory paralysis and incontinence. Drug therapies and self-catheterization may be necessary as bladder function can take a long time to improve.

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