Cauda Equina Syndrome

At the lower end of the spinal cord are a group of nerve roots, which are known as Cauda Equina.

What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Cauda Equina Syndrome is the rare condition that affects the nerve endings at the base of the spinal column and can have serious consequences as to an individual’s mobility if not dealt with urgently. This condition debilitates these nerves, which receive electrical impulses from the brain and allow the lower limbs and pelvic organs to function correctly: if not dealt with this condition can cause permanent paralysis, impotency and problems with the bowels and bladder.

The condition can be brought about if the individual has suffered from a slipped disc that has gone untreated, a viral infection or a narrowing of the spinal canal. Also, as with a lot of spinal injuries, it can be brought on by a violent jolt or impact such as that one might receive if involved in a car accident. Also congenital deformities such as Spina Bifida (an abnormality in the closure of the spinal canal) can play a part.

Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome

There area wide and varying mix of symptoms related to this condition but it should be noted that if you experience any of the following you should consult your GP immediately.

• Numbness or pain in the legs
• Tingling sensation in the legs, buttocks, thighs or feet
• Stiffness when standing
• Bladder weakness
• Bowel Dysfunction
• Impotency

If any of the aforementioned symptoms appear for a sustained period of time you should visit your doctor and explain in as much detail as is possible the nature of the pain and symptoms you have been experiencing.

In some instances the condition is only a temporary one that can be cured but in order to do so giving your doctor as much information as you can is a must. In these mild instances the myelin covering that surrounds the nerves may become damaged and this results in a temporary dysfunction, which can last several weeks to several months.

In other instances – the more severe – the nerves (axons) are damaged but the nerves that run to the muscles (motor nerves) can grow back but this can be limited and can only normally be achieved after surgery.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine you and assess your stability, reflexes, ability to stand and walk and also muscle strength. He or she may also request that blood tests be taken and in extreme cases a lumbar puncture – which is the introduction of a needle into the lower spinal column to draw fluid for testing.

In addition to this your doctor may also require x-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computerised Tomography) scans to try and build up a more detailed picture.

Again it is of the utmost importance that if you feel you have any of the symptoms mentioned, that you contact your doctor immediately so that he or she can take the appropriate steps to try and limit the damage. One must remember that not only can this problem cause serious problems with the spine and the lower limbs but it can have adverse effects on the bladder, bowel, and sexual organs, which, if left untreated, can lead to almost certain paralysis.

It is wise also to ensure that you are maintaining the correct seating posture in the workplace and that if you are required to lift any heavy objects you do so in the correct manner.