About Caude Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition caused by compression of the nerves at the base of the spinal column. The syndrome causes various neurological symptoms, such as pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and bladder and bowel control problems. Cauda equina syndrome is relatively uncommon, and is most often caused by a herniated disc or other spinal injury. It is considered an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Anatomy

• The spinal cord, which carries nerve impulses from the body to the brain, runs through the spinal column. In the lower back, the spinal cord ends in a bundle of nerve roots. This bundle is called the cauda equina, which is Latin for "horse tail" because the fibers of the nerve roots resemble a horse's tail.

Definition of Cauda Equina Syndrome

• Cauda equina syndrome is caused by compression of these nerves. This compression is commonly caused by a herniated or slipped disc, but can be caused by other types of trauma, such as fracture of the vertebrae or a hematoma. Other causes include tumors, inflammatory conditions, infection and spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is any narrowing of the spinal canal, through which the spinal cord passes.

Symptoms

• The earliest symptom of cauda equina syndrome is pain in the lower back that radiates to the legs.The pain generally starts in the lumbar region of the back and radiates into one or both buttocks and down the backs of one or both thighs. It is often accompanied later by numbness in the groin area, lower extremity muscle weakness and problems with bladder and bowel control such as incontinence, constipation, difficulty urinating or urine retention.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome is made through x-rays and/or MRIs. This will allow the doctor to see the area where the cauda equina is being compressed.

Treatment

• Cauda equina syndrome is treated with surgery, which relieves pressure on the nerve bundle, thereby alleviating the symptoms. If the cause is a herniated disc, then the disc itself would most likely be removed. If the cause is something else, such as an infection, then further treatment will be needed to address the root cause.

Surgical Emergency

• Cauda equina syndrome is considered an emergency. In order to prevent permanent nerve damage, surgery should be done within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.