Cauda Equina Syndrome is an uncommon nervous system illness. It’s a grim ailment caused by nerve stiffness. An individual suffering from this disorder has an assemblage of nerves at the end of their vertebral column. Cauda Equina is a Latin word, which means a ‘horsetail.’ 

People with Cauda Equina Syndrome require immediate surgical intervention or will have adverse health effects. 

Specialists claim that about 50 to 80% of people experience backache in their lives. In most cases, it’s acute and resolves itself within a few days. However, in some cases, it becomes severe. Cauda Equina Syndrome is a condition with similar symptoms. 

Cauda Equina Syndrome is also recognized as the dysfunction of manifold lumbar and sacral nerve roots. It leads to an abnormal sensation in the body, making a person feel numb and burning sensations. 

What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

The occurrence of Cauda Equina Syndrome is around 1 in 65,000. Clinically, it can be acute or chronic. To understand the syndrome, you need to know about cauda equine and what causes it. 

The lower end of the backbone is at the first or second level of the vertebra, also known as the lumbar bone. The cord consists of nerves that form a structure, conus medullaris. All these nerves branch out to create the cauda equine. 

These nerves are responsible for controlling the bowel and bladder. Also, these regulate the movement of the legs. Additionally, the equine cauda nerves also aid in sensing light touch and pain in the legs. A disorder in these nerves is known as the Cauda Equina Syndrome. 

As a result of the continuous force on the nerves, they stop working properly. If it’s not cured promptly, it can lead to long-term pain. 

Additionally, in medical science, Cauda Equina Syndrome is classified into two types:

• Complete – It accounts for 60% of the occurrence. Here, the patient has total incontinence or retention of urinary or bowel movement. 
• Incomplete – It accounts for 40%. In this case, patients lose sensation with regards to urinary functionality. 

In some cases, Cauda Equina Syndrome is also known as the incomplete cord syndrome. It has a collection of symptoms that occur due to the severe compression of the descending lumbar. 

Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Specialists consider that the identification of Cauda Equina Syndrome is complex. It’s not as easy as it sounds. The Cauda Equina Syndrome symptoms vary from person to person. Also, these become visible slowly. In some situations, it mimics other diseases.

Consequently, if you have any of these indications, call a doctor straight away:

• Severe discomfort in the lower back
• Loss of sensation in the thighs or legs
• If you feel any trouble in sensing your lower body areas
• Impassiveness or numbness in one or both legs
• Problems in the bowel or bladder functions
• Sudden sexual dysfunction
• Urinary retention. 

Moreover, it’s essential to comprehend that varying symptoms accompany Cauda Equina Syndrome. These depend on the degree of pressure and compression on the nerve roots. 

If you are feeling any of these signs, consider it a red flag. Therefore, it would benefit if you had medical care. Hence, visit a doctor and get a thorough evaluation done immediately. 

Based on symptoms and condition, the Cauda Equina Syndrome is distinguished into two types:

• Acute onset – In this case, the symptoms develop rapidly. Hence, the patient faces severe pain in the lower back. Also, patients experience a significant loss of bowel and bladder functions. So it’s an acute condition. 
• Gradual onset – The pain progresses with time. Additionally, the patients might face more symptoms that may come and go. The numbness in muscles is common. Thus, it’s known as a gradual condition. 

Causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome is not a very common disorder. It can occur at any age, but it’s rare. It’s more common in adults as compared to youngsters. However, some children have a congenital disability that leads to Cauda Equina Syndrome. 

Some of the potential causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome are listed below:

• Birth abnormalities 
• Spinal anesthesia
• Spinal tumors
• Lesions in spine
• Violent injuries
• Infections or inflammation in the spine
• Spinal hemorrhages

Some other possible causes include:

• Tumors
• Trauma
• Internal bleeding

Considering the list mentioned above, medical specialists have divided the causes into the following categories:

• Inflammatory
• Degenerative
• Infective
• Tumors
• Traumatic
• Vascular

Diagnosing Cauda Equina Syndrome

To identify Cauda Equina Syndrome, doctors need your health history. It also involves a physical examination and some diagnostic imaging scans. 

Some of the imaging tests advantageous for the diagnosis of Cauda Equina syndrome include:

• CT scan 

A CT scan is a medical diagnostic imaging technique that can help evaluate the anatomy of the spinal region. It is often used as a complementary imaging technique. It helps in confirming the diagnosis. 

CT scans are beneficial for the diagnosis when the MRI is inconclusive. You can visit New Jersey Imaging network to get information about the CT scan procedure. 

• MRI Imaging 

Typically, an MRI scan is used for the detection of compressive lesions. The diagnostic imaging services also help in revealing the cause of the compression. 

In the case of Cauda Equina Syndrome, the doctors recommend having magnetic resonance imaging done urgently. Therefore, MRI Elizabeth NJ provides services on an emergency basis. The radiologists at the imaging center are aware of the complications and urgency associated with diagnosing this condition. 

• X-Ray 

Some doctors recommend a myelogram for Cauda Equina Syndrome detection. It involves an x-ray of the spinal canal. 

The radiologists are required to handle the procedure with care. Therefore, they will inject a contrasting material. It will help in highlighting all the pressure points. In addition, it gives a clear image of the nerves and spinal cord. 

The imaging services at NJ Imaging Center can help in detecting Cauda Equina syndrome. Through this, the doctors can assess the reflexes, strength, sensation, and stability. Also, the ability to move is evaluated. 

The assessment will also involve testing the numbness and tone of the muscles. In some cases, the doctor might also ask for some blood tests. 

In case of severe conditions, the doctors also rely on physical examination. So you’ll be asked to:

• Bend forward and backward
• Sit 
• Stand
• Lift your legs while lying down
• Walk on your toes and heels

Treating Cauda Equina Syndrome 

Cauda Equina Syndrome requires instant attention. You can’t neglect it. 

To relieve pressure on nerves, you’ll require immediate surgery. Doctors claim that surgical decompression is necessary within 24 hours of detection. However, any delay can affect the outcome of the surgery. 

If you neglect or delay your surgery for Cauda Equina Syndrome, it can lead to:

• Lasting harm on the body
• Damage of bowel and bladder control 
• Sexual dysfunction
• Paralysis of the legs

Once the Cauda Equina Syndrome is detected, the treatment involves surgery. It’s mostly performed within 48 hours. However, most doctors recommend that it be done within 24 hours. The treatment is highly recommended as it prevents disability and irreversible nerve damage. 

The surgery is beneficial in relieving the pressure on the nerves. However, in some circumstances, the reason for the Cauda Equina Syndrome is a herniated disk. Therefore, the medics eliminate this disk during the operation.

Moreover, the patients should understand that full recovery is not possible. Even after the surgery, they might face certain complications. 

For example, you may face some issues in walking. Hence, doctors will recommend physical therapy to regain your strength. 

Most specialists recommend a pain management treatment, which is long-term. It includes:

• Pain relief medicines after surgery
• Corticosteroids for reducing the overall inflammation
• Some medication for better control of bladder and bowel

You will gain your motor control and senses with time. In some cases, it takes months, while at times, it can be years too. 

Final Thoughts 

Cauda Equina Syndrome has catastrophic consequences for the patients. However, it’s an uncommon disease that requires prompt intervention. Therefore, it’s always helpful to understand the signs and symptoms. If you are facing any of the signs mentioned above, consult a doctor immediately. 

The diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome is not very difficult. Some diagnostic imaging techniques like x-ray, CT scan, and MRI can reveal the issue. 

Your doctor will develop the treatment plan and procedures according to your condition. It’s better not to delay the process. 

Once the surgery is done, coping with Cauda Equina Syndrome won’t be very challenging. You’ll soon start healing. First, however, the patient will require long-term follow-up while they recover