SEARCH RESULTS FOR: Cauda-Equina-Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome: Signs and Symptoms Author: Yan Yu Stephanie de Waal Reviewers: Sunawer Aujla Spencer Montgomery Owen Stechishin Michelle J Chen W. Bradley Jacobs* * MD at time of publication Large lumbar degenerative disc herniation Severe lumbar spondylosis Neoplasm in lumbar spine Trauma or epidural hematoma Infection (e.g. abscess) in lumbar spine Mechanical compression of sacral and lumbar nerve roots between L2 and S1 Cauda Equina Syndrome Damage to motor neurons within the compressed nerve roots Acute ↓ stimulation/control of lower limb and pelvic floor muscles Damage to fragile, smaller sacral nerves Saddle anesthesia Loss of sensation in perineum, perianal area, and medial aspect of thighs Patient unable to sense when bladder/ bowels are full Damage to sensory neurons within the compressed nerve roots Mechanically damaged nociceptive sensory neurons send ectopic impulses to the brain Neuropathic pain in low back, radiating to one or both legs Dermatomal pattern specific to the affected nerve root Decreased rectal tone Fecal incontinence Flaccid paralysis in one or both legs Permanent paralysis Areflexia (absence of deep tendon reflexes) Absent Achilles tendon reflex from compression of S1 nerve Urinary detrusor muscle areflexia Cannot overcome the residual tone of the internal urethral sphincters Urinary retention Compression of L2 nerve root Sensory disturbance along anterior and medial thigh Compression of L3 nerve root Sensory disturbance along anterior thigh, medial knee, and medial leg Compression of L4 nerve root Sensory disturbance along lateral knee, anterior leg, and dorsal aspect of foot Compression of S1 nerve root Sensory disturbance along posterior thigh, posterolateral aspect of leg, and lateral foot Sexual dysfunction Overflow incontinence Legend: Pathophysiology Mechanism Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding Complications Published Nov 1, 2012; updated Sept 6, 2024 on www.thecalgaryguide.com