Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)

What is cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome refers to a condition where there is severe tightness over spinal nerves causing specific symptoms. These symptoms include back pain, sciatica, lower extremity weakness/loss of sensation, and bowel/bladder dysfunction. Cauda equina syndrome can impact patients of all ages. Given the severity of its symptoms, it requires immediate medical attention.

Anatomy of the spine as it relates to cauda equina syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is a condition that impacts the nerve roots within the bottom of the spine. The spinal cord terminates at the lower part of your mid-back (thoracic and lumbar spinal levels T12 to L1). From there, it transitions into nerve roots that supply all the motor and sensory function to your lower extremities, as well as the muscles that control your bowel and bladder functions. These nerves are not only essential to moving your lower extremities, but also to start and stop urination and bowel movements. Sexual function is also controlled by these lower nerve roots.

What are the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome?

Symptoms of cauda equina include low back pain, pain between your legs in your groin, bilateral sciatica, lower extremity weakness, loss of sensation in your lower extremities and groin, and loss of bowel and bladder control. One of the most common complaints is loss of sensation in the genitalia or anus. Loss of or changes in bladder control is a hallmark of the syndrome. However, other causes of such changs are much more common than cauda equina syndrome.

What are some of the causes of cauda equina syndrome?

There are a variety of causes of cauda equina syndrome, although they all involve an extreme compression of nerves . A limited list of potential causes for cauda equina syndrome includes:

• herniated lumbar disc
• spinal stenosis
• spinal epidural hematoma (blood within the spinal canal)
• spinal epidural abscess (infection within the spinal canal)
• spinal tumor (rare)

Who is at risk for cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome can happen to patients of all ages. Anyone who exhibits symptoms matching those in cauda equina syndrome should immediately contact their healthcare provider.

What is the treatment for cauda equina syndrome?

Determining the appropriate treatment of cauda equina syndrome requires an immediate evaluation by a spinal specialist. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, emergency surgery will follow. The precise surgery performed in each patient depends on the underlying cause of their cauda equina syndrome.