What is cauda equina syndrome? Cauda equina syndrome is a relatively serious neurological health condition caused by the compression of your spinal nerve root, situated at the lumbar end of your spinal cord. These nerves control your legs, feet and pelvic organ function, i.e. bowel and bladder. So, it’s crucial with this syndrome that you receive treatment ASAP to avert irreversible nerve damage.
When cauda equina syndrome occurs, sensation and movement from your pelvic area on down may be impacted. Depending on the extent the compression and where of your nerve root is compressed you could experience a variety of symptoms, such as:
- paralysis
- sharp leg pain
- difficulty walking
- muscle weakness
- sexual dysfunction
- severe lower back pain
- lower body numbness, tingling
- feces, urine incontinence or retention
- unusual sensation while in seated position
Cauda equina syndrome symptoms can cause problems slowly or suddenly appear. They can also come and go.
What might be causing your symptoms of cauda equina syndrome? Well, there are a number of causes for cauda equina syndrome, some of which include:
- fracture
- sarcoidosis
- spine tumor
- ruptured disk
- spinal stenosis
- spinal birth defect
- ankylosing spondylitis
- spinal infection, abscess
- hemorrhaging, hematoma
- significant traumatic injury to lower spine
If you believe you are encountering any of these spine related health conditions, seek immediate health care treatment upon onset of any cauda equina syndrome symptoms.
Cauda equina syndrome treatment involves immediate relief of the pressure on your nerve root by surgical means. Also, treatment in the form of pain relieving drugs, physical therapy, supportive braces, catheters, etc. may be required until you’ve fully recovered.
After you’ve been treated you could continue to struggle with some of your “before surgery” dysfunction symptoms. Although, permanent nerve damage is uncommon.