Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition with various etiology which cause extreme pressure and swelling of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord
Injuries below the level of L1
Etiology
Cauda equina has varied etiology some are noted below:
- Spinal tumors
- Pott’s disease
- Protrusion of disk
- Fracture dislocation of TL spine
Clinical Features
Back pain, perineal pain, difficulty in micturition, and impotence in males are some common symptoms of cauda equina
Sensory signs:
Saddle-shaped hyperesthesia and later anesthesia —>involving buttocks, anus, and perineum
Motor signs: Flaccid paralysis below the knee
Reflexes:
Ankle jerk–>LOST
Knee Jerk –> INCREASED ( d/t weakness of opposite hamstring)
Bladder Symptoms: Retention of urine with overflow
Anal sphincter relaxation: Leading to incontinence of bowels
Treatment of Cauda equina syndrome
Different surgical approaches can be used but the most commonly used approach is the posterior approach.
Prompt surgical stabilization
Chief cause of death in spinal cord inury–>Pneumonia, sucidial
