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Cauda Equina Syndrome
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Cauda Equina Syndrome

Back pain can be caused by hundreds of different things, but nonetheless it is pain. Common reasons for back pain are muscle strains, herniated discs and poor muscle tone and strength. A less common cause of back pain is Cauda Equina Syndrome. Cauda Equina Syndrome occurs when the spinal column becomes considerably narrowed and in turn the nerve roots below the spinal cord become compressed. There are several causes that can bring on Cauda Equina Syndrome such as trauma, herniated disc (specifically in the lumbar spinal region), tumors of the spine, spinal stenosis, inflammatory conditions of the spine, infectious conditions of the spine and in some cases medical mistakes.

Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome are often similar to numerous other spinal conditions which can make it difficult to diagnose. The most common symptoms are pain in the lower back, pain in one or both legs, pain in the buttocks, numbness in the groin, bowel and bladder problems (difficulty or no activity), weakness or loss of feeling of the lower extremities and reduced or non-existent reflexes of the lower extremities. These symptoms are also symptoms of several other conditions. If they come on suddenly a call to your doctor within 24 hours of onset is warranted especially is you have an underlying cause.

Cauda Equina Syndrome is considered an emergency and surgery is needed immediately. For the person who thinks he/she may have Cauda Equina Syndrome it is imperative that they seek proper care quickly in order to have a positive outcome. 48 hours is the suggested time frame to receive a positive outcome from surgery. The typical surgical procedure is lumbar decompression which creates space for the nerves in turn relieving compression.

If the patient has a condition (such as the common causes above) that could warrant the onset of Cauda Equina Syndrome they should talk to their doctor and begin a treatments plan to reduce or even eliminate their risk of developing Cauda Equina Syndrome. To evaluate the risk or onset of Cauda Equina Syndrome the doctor will do an complete physical exam, complete patient and family history, test the muscle strength around the typically affected areas (ie groin, rectum and lower extremities), take x-rays and order and MRI (without contrast).

If it is determined that Cauda Equina Syndrome is the cause of your symptoms there are also things your doctor will do to treat the underlying cause of the syndrome once it is resolved. Some treatments include anti-inflammatory medications (ie Motrin), corticosteroids (ie methylprednisolone), antibiotics (if caused by infection) and chemotherapy and radiation (if caused by certain tumors). Those who have tumors and herniated disc as the underlying cause may require an additional surgical procedure such as the removal of the tumor or a laminectomy (removal of some bone surrounding nerves) and discectomy (removal of portion of disc to reduce compression) to help relieve the herniated disc. Medications may be prescribed to help with the other symptoms as well as physical therapy. Follow up visits with your surgeon and other doctors is essential to a full recovery. Depending on the cause of Cauda Equina Syndrome the patients outcome will vary as will the treatment. Most people have positive outcomes as long as Cauda Equina Syndrome is caught and treated within the time frame of 48 hours.

It is important to remember that not all people possessing these symptoms have Cauda Equina Syndrome. Cauda Equina Syndrome is rare and is almost always the result of a preventable condition. Regular physicals, exercise and proper diet are three things that can greatly reduce your risk of developing the underlying conditions that may cause Cauda Equina Syndrome. Though it is better to be safe than sorry especially if these symptoms come on quickly, be sure to talk to your doctor within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.

By: R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen
Published: 07/31/08


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2 Posted Comments:

@ 12:23 pm 08/21/08 by Willow Sidhe
Great article! I've never heard of this condition before but I've suffered from back problems for most of my life.
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@ 2:06 pm 08/29/08 by MaryLynn321
An absolutely wonderful article. I have never heard of this condition. My Mother has spinal stinosis and they would do nothing until she was in her 60's. I wonder if she could have had this condition the whole time. She had many of the symptoms. Well it is too late for her now, she is 79 and is confined to a wheel chair, and has Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. But, this is good to know. Thank you so much for writing this article

Hugs Mary
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