Although low back pain is common and usually goes away without
surgery, cauda equine syndrome, a rare disorder affecting the
bundle of nerve roots (cauda equina) at the lower (lumbar) end of
the spinal cord, is a surgical emergency.
An extension of the brain, the nerve roots send and receive
messages to and from the pelvic organs and lower limbs. Cauda
equina syndrome occurs when the nerve roots are compressed and
paralysed, cutting off sensation and movement. Nerve roots that
control the function of the bladder and bowel are especially
vulnerable to damage.
If patients with cauda equina syndrome do not receive urgent
treatment to relieve the pressure, it can result in permanent
paralysis, impaired bladder and/or bowel control, loss of sexual
sensation, and other problems. Even with immediate treatment, some
patient may not recover complete function.
Causes
Cauda equina syndrome may be caused by a ruptured disk, tumour,
infection, fracture, or narrowing of the spinal canal. It may also
happen because of a violent impact, such as a car crash, a fall
from significant height, or a penetrating injury, such as a
stabbing injury. Children may be born with abnormalities that cause
cauda equina syndrome.
Symptoms
Although early treatment is required to prevent permanent
problems, cauda equina syndrome may be difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms vary in intensity and may evolve slowly over time and
include:
- Bladder and/or bowel dysfunction, causing you to retain waste
or be unable to hold it.
- Severe or progressive problems in the lower extremities,
including loss of or altered sensation between the legs, over the
buttocks, the inner thighs and back of the legs (saddle area), and
feet/heels.
- Pain, numbness, or weakness spreading to one or both legs that
may cause you to stumble or have difficulty getting up from a
chair.
Diagnosis
To diagnose cauda equina syndrome, the doctor will probably
evaluate your medical history, give you a physical examination, and
order multiple diagnostic imaging studies (i.e. X-rays, MRI
(magnetic resonance imaging) scans, and CT (computed tomography
scans) to help assess the problem).
Treatment
If you have cauda equina syndrome, you may need urgent surgery
to remove the material that is pressing on the nerves. The surgery
may prevent pressure on the nerves from reaching the point at which
damage is irreversible.
For further information on how MyInjuryLawyer can help with a
Cauda Equina or other spinal injury claim, please call us free on
0800 043 4299.