Cauda equina syndrome & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare disorder that is usually a surgical emergency. In people with cauda equina syndrome, the spinal cord roots are depressed, so it must be treated immediately so as not to cause incontinence (unable to hold back bowel movements) or leg paralysis.

Cauda equina syndrome occurs in a group of nerve roots called the cauda equina (Latin means 'horse tail'). These nerves are located at the lower end of the spinal nerves in the lumbosacral spine. Its function is to send and receive signals to and from the legs and pelvic organs.

How common is cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome is rare, but it can occur in children who have spinal abnormalities from birth, or have had a spinal cord injury. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Diagnosing cauda equina syndrome is not easy. Symptoms can vary and appear gradually. In fact, the symptoms often resemble other diseases. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, consult a doctor immediately:

• Unbearable pain in the lower back.
• Pain, or numbness, or weakness, in one or both legs that causes you to fall frequently or have difficulty getting up from sitting.
• Reduction or loss of sensation in the legs, buttocks, inner thighs, back of the leg, or foot, which gets worse over time.
• Problems with passing urine, such as difficulty passing urine, or difficulty holding urine (urinary incontinence).
• Sexual dysfunction that appears suddenly.

There may be symptoms not listed above. Consult your doctor for information about other symptoms.

Cause

What causes cauda equina syndrome?

Some of the things that cause cauda equina syndrome are:

• Rupture of the disc in the lumbar (waist) area
• Narrowing of the spinal tract (spine), also known as stenosis
• Spinal cord injury or malignant tumor
• Infection, inflammation, bleeding, or fracture of the spine
• Complications due to lumbar spine injuries such as traffic accidents, falls, gunshot wounds, or sharp objects puncture
• Birth defects, such as abnormal connections between blood vessels (arteriovenous malformation).

Diagnosis

How do doctors diagnose cauda equina syndrome?

Doctors can diagnose cauda equina syndrome in several ways:

• Medical history, in which you will need to answer some questions about your health condition, symptoms, and activities.
• A physical exam to check your strength, reflexes, sensation, stability, balance, and movement. You may also need blood tests.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses a magnetic field and a computer to produce three-dimensional images of your spine.
• Myelogram aka x-ray of the spinal canal after injection with a contrast agent, which can show where pressure is on the spinal cord.
• CT scan.

Treatment

The information below cannot be used as a substitute for a medical consultation. ALWAYS consult your doctor for information about medications.

How to treat cauda equina syndrome?

If you have cauda equina syndrome, you will need emergency treatment to release pressure on the nerves. Surgery must be done immediately to prevent permanent damage, for example leg paralysis, loss of control of urination and bowel movements, sexual function, and other problems.

It is recommended that surgery be carried out no later than 48 hours after the first symptoms appear. Depending on the cause of the condition, you may also need high doses of corticosteroids to reduce swelling.

If you are diagnosed with an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics. However, if the cause is a tumor, you may need radiation or chemotherapy after surgery.

Even after receiving treatment, your physical function may not return completely, depending on how much damage has been done. If the surgery is successful, you may be able to regain control of urination / bowel movements after a few years.

Lifestyle changes

What can be done to make life easier for people with cauda equina syndrome?

If the damage has already occurred, surgery usually cannot repair it. This means you have chronic cauda equina syndrome, and need to adapt to making lifestyle changes according to your ability to function. This requires not only physical support, but also emotional support.

Involve family and medical professionals in your care. Depending on your needs, you can get help from a physical therapist, an incontinence therapist, or even a sex therapist.

If you have lost control of your bowel movements (unable to hold urine or defecate), there are a number of things you can do:

• Use a catheter to empty the bladder 3-4 times a day
• Drink plenty of fluids and keep genitals clean to prevent urinary tract infections
• Empty the intestines using an enema or laxative
• Wear an adult diaper to prevent leakage
• Ask your doctor about medicines to treat the pain that is caused, or to control bowel movements.

Please consult your doctor for more information.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.