The cauda equina is a group of nerve roots that send and receive electrical signals all over your body. They are located at the bottom of your spinal cord.
If these nerves become squeezed, you can develop cauda equina syndrome (CES). This condition can cause pain, weakness and other symptoms in your legs and urinary bladder.
Exercise
The cauda equina (pronounced kaw-DAH-dah-eh-yuna) is a collection of nerves that extends from the spinal cord, through the lumbar spine and sacrum, and down the backs of each leg. These nerves provide motor and sensory function to the lower limbs and pelvic organs by sending and receiving messages.
CES is often the result of spinal injury. For example, a herniated disc, infection or spinal trauma can cause the compression of nerve roots in the cauda equina.
Physical exam and MRI scan may be used to look at the area and pinpoint pressure on your nerves. If the symptoms don’t improve or they are getting worse, surgery is a good idea.
This syndrome is a serious injury to the spinal cord, causing weakness and numbness in one or both legs. Without treatment, it can permanently damage your nerves. The faster you get a diagnosis, the better chance you have of stopping further nerve damage and avoiding problems like bowel or bladder control and sexual dysfunction.
Medications
Medications can help get rid of cauda equina claims in people with spinal infections or tumors (infectious or neoplastic causes). Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and corticosteroids, are helpful for some.
A doctor will examine the person’s medical history, do a physical examination, and order diagnostic imaging studies. During the exam, the doctor will assess strength, reflexes, sensation, alignment, and motion. He or she will ask the person to stand, sit, walk on their heels and toes, bend backward, forward, and to the sides, and lift their legs while lying down.
CES is caused by an extreme narrowing of the spinal canal. This can happen when a herniated disk presses on the nerve roots. It can also occur when long-lasting inflammatory conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, cause the spinal canal to become narrow.
Surgery
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is an extremely rare condition in which the nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord are compressed. These nerves control sensation and movement in your legs, bladder, bowel, sexual organs, and other parts of your body.
This is a serious problem that requires immediate medical care to avoid long-term damage. It can affect a person’s ability to work, social life and relationships, and overall quality of life.
In severe cases, CES can cause complete loss of bowel or bladder control and pelvic pain. It also can lead to other symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the legs.
The best way to diagnose CES is to have an MRI or CT myelogram. These scans can identify pressure on the cauda equina from herniated discs or other conditions.
Lifestyle Changes
Cauda equina syndrome is caused by compression of the nerve roots in the lumbar spinal cord. This can occur after a herniated disk or due to other conditions such as infection, tumour, or narrowing of the spine.
It is rare and affects about 1 in 33,000 to 100,000 people. It can cause permanent paralysis in the muscles of one or both legs, as well as loss of bladder and bowel control.
However, it can be treated with decompression surgery. Early treatment can improve sensory and muscle function, as well as bladder and bowel function.
Summary:
The condition is difficult to live with, and it can damage a person’s social life, relationships and work. It can also lead to frequent urinary infections and sexual dysfunction.