Cauda Equina Syndrome Causes: • Large lumbar degenerative disc herniation (central) • Severe lumbar spondylosis • Neoplasm in lumbar spine • Trauma or epidural hematoma • Infection (abscess, etc) in lumbar spine Signs / Symptoms / Complications: • Weakness (flaccid paralysis) in both legs • Areflexia (loss of normal leg reflexes) • Urinary and fecal retention -> Overflow Incontinence • Saddle Anesthesia • Sensory disturbance in both legs (numbness, tingling, loss of temperature sensation, etc) • Neuropathic pain (shooting, stabbing, lancinating, burning pain radiating down both legs) Note: Surgical Emergency! • Goal is to prevent permanent damage to sacral nerves which can happen quickly (within hours) if not treated! • Pain/sensory disturbance in legs does not have to be bilateral. • As soon as bladder/bowel dysfunction is suspected, immediate MRI and surgery! #CaudaEquina #Syndrome #MSK #pathophysiology #diagnosis #symptoms #signs
