Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Cauda equinasyndrome (CES) is a rare but serious condition that occurs when nerve roots in the lower spinal cord are squeezed or compressed, disrupting motor and sensory function in the bladder and lower extremities.
This cluster of nerve roots called thecauda equina(Latin for “horse’s tail”) sends and receives messages to the legs, bladder, and other parts of the body. CES can occur when a ruptured or herniated lumbar disc puts intense pressure on the cauda equina. If left untreated, CES can lead to serious and irreversible damage, such as chronic incontinence and paralysis of the legs. For this reason, symptoms of CES warrant immediate medical attention and, in many cases, emergency surgery.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cauda equina syndrome, as well as ways to cope after treatment.
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What Are the First Signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Symptoms of CES can come on acutely, in a matter of hours, or develop gradually over weeks or months. One of the first signs or most common symptoms isurinary retention(the bladder fills with urine, but you don’t experience the normal sensation or urge to urinate).
Other symptoms of CES include:
There are two stages of cauda equina syndrome based on urinary symptoms:
What Causes Cauda Equina Syndrome?
The most common cause of CES is a ruptured or herniated disc in the lumbar area. Other possible causes may include:
How Is CES Diagnosed?
Diagnosing cauda equina syndrome typically requires:
Testing may include:
Treatment for Cauda Equina Syndrome
The extent of urinary problems can determine how CES is treated.
The outcome for people with CES-I at the time of surgery generally is favorable. Those whose CES has deteriorated to CES-R tend to have a poor prognosis.
Coping With CES
Even after surgery, CES can be a challenging condition to deal with. If bladder function has been impaired, recovery of bladder control may take time. It may be necessary to use a catheter or to wear disposable underwear.Frequent urinary infections are also a potential complication.
Loss of bladder or bowel control can be psychologically distressing, impacting social life, work, and relationships. Sexual dysfunction can also occur, contributing to relationship difficulties or depression. Talking with a mental health professional may be helpful.
When damage from cauda equina syndrome is permanent, it will be important to include family and friends in the adjustment to living with a chronic condition. Psychological counseling and/or a support group also can be helpful in this transition. Other specialists who can help include:
Summary
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare condition where nerve roots in the lower spinal cord are compressed, which disrupts motor and sensory function in the bladder and lower extremities. The most common cause of CES is a ruptured or herniated disc in the lumbar area. Ideally, CES is treated with surgery within 24 to 48 hours of symptoms onset.
If you’re having symptoms that could be CES, see a healthcare provider promptly. Delaying treatment can lead to permanent damage.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Cauda Equina Syndrome.Gardner A, Gardner E, Morley T.Cauda equina syndrome: a review of the current clinical and medico-legal position.Eur Spine J. 2011;20(5):690-7. doi:10.1007/s00586-010-1668-3Fairbank J, Mallen C.Cauda equina syndrome: implications for primary care. Br J Gen Pract. 2014 Feb;64(619):67-8. doi: 10.3399/bjgp14X676988OrthoInfo.Cauda eqina syndrome.Additional ReadingLavy C, James A, Wilson-MacDonald J.Cauda equina syndrome.BMJ. 31 Mar 2009. 338:b936. doi:10.1136/bmj.b936
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Cauda Equina Syndrome.Gardner A, Gardner E, Morley T.Cauda equina syndrome: a review of the current clinical and medico-legal position.Eur Spine J. 2011;20(5):690-7. doi:10.1007/s00586-010-1668-3Fairbank J, Mallen C.Cauda equina syndrome: implications for primary care. Br J Gen Pract. 2014 Feb;64(619):67-8. doi: 10.3399/bjgp14X676988OrthoInfo.Cauda eqina syndrome.Additional ReadingLavy C, James A, Wilson-MacDonald J.Cauda equina syndrome.BMJ. 31 Mar 2009. 338:b936. doi:10.1136/bmj.b936
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Cauda Equina Syndrome.Gardner A, Gardner E, Morley T.Cauda equina syndrome: a review of the current clinical and medico-legal position.Eur Spine J. 2011;20(5):690-7. doi:10.1007/s00586-010-1668-3Fairbank J, Mallen C.Cauda equina syndrome: implications for primary care. Br J Gen Pract. 2014 Feb;64(619):67-8. doi: 10.3399/bjgp14X676988OrthoInfo.Cauda eqina syndrome.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Cauda Equina Syndrome.
Gardner A, Gardner E, Morley T.Cauda equina syndrome: a review of the current clinical and medico-legal position.Eur Spine J. 2011;20(5):690-7. doi:10.1007/s00586-010-1668-3
Fairbank J, Mallen C.Cauda equina syndrome: implications for primary care. Br J Gen Pract. 2014 Feb;64(619):67-8. doi: 10.3399/bjgp14X676988
OrthoInfo.Cauda eqina syndrome.
Lavy C, James A, Wilson-MacDonald J.Cauda equina syndrome.BMJ. 31 Mar 2009. 338:b936. doi:10.1136/bmj.b936
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