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How Exactly Does Cauda Equina Syndrome Function?
Cauda Equina refers to the Latin term used to describe the tail of a horse. It refers to the nerves located at the end of the spinal cord which are similar to the tails of horses. The nerves may be affected by Cauda Equina Syndrome. Both sensory and motor nerve fibers may be affected, causing issues in the sacral area and legs.
What is cauda equina syndrome?
Cauda equina syndrome, often referred to CES syndrome, occurs where damage is caused to specific nerves that are collectively known as the cauda equina. Cauda-equina compression refers to the typical problem in which the caudal nerves are compressed. Once you want a knockout post on cauda equina syndrome, check here.
How rare is cauda-equina syndrome
CES is uncommon with it's prevalence among the general population fluctuating between 1 for 32,000 to 1 in 100,000.
Where is the cauda Equina?
These nerves radiate from the end of your spinal cord. The roots of the cauda nerves of the equina are located between the second lumbar vertebra until the first coccyx vertebra. These nerves radiate outwards branching further into smaller nerves which innervate structures in the pelvis. The cauda equina nerves project from a portion of the spinal cord referred to as the conus medullaris
Conus medullaris vs cauda equina
Conus medullaris refers to an area of the spinal cord in the shape of a cone. Conus medullaris syndrome is another disorder that can occur which is similar to the cauda equina. Conus medullaris is a disorder that is caused when the cord is damaged higher up between the 12th and 2nd lumbar vertebrae.
Conus medullaris syndrome symptoms include:
Severe pain in the back
Strange sensations like tingling in the legs and back
What are the causes of cauda Equine Syndrome?
Cauda equina syndrome causes include factors that cause spinal nerves being compromised in any way. The causes of the syndrome are described below.
Herniated disk is an injury to the nerves caused by a bulging of cartilaginous tissue.
Spinal stenosis: Stenosis is the result of a narrowing and, in this instance, it's a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord.
Spina bifida is a congenital condition that causes problems in the development of the spinal cord.
Spinal cord injury: Diskitis is when there is inflammation in the area between the vertebrae.
Tumor on the spine: A tumor can form within the tissues surrounding the spine, placing pressure on the lower nerves of the cord.
Traumatic injury to the lumbar area: An accident in the car can cause injury to the structures and nerves in the spinal region.
Inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is a form of polyneuropathy that can result in cauda-equina syndrome.
Cauda equina syndrome symptoms
Cauda equina symptoms involve the pelvic region as well as legs and can be characterized by a lack of leg strength and numbness in all the areas served by the caudal nerves.
What are the initial signs of cauda equina disorder?
Early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome are described below.
Saddle paresthesia: It's an numb and tingling sensation in the groin area, thighs and buttocks.
Saddle anesthesia is the most common manifestation of the condition. It is caused by the loss of sensation in the areas of the body that would come into contact with a saddle if you were riding on it.
A loss of sensation and weakness in your legs could be due to injury to the cauda-equina nervous system. This could result in signals coming from your legs aren't able to travel up the spinal cord as quickly. Many spine problems can cause the sensation of numbness.
Bowel incontinence: The tone of anal sphincter can be lost which can lead to fecal leakage.
Bladder incontinence: The bladder fills up with urine, causing leakage.
Urinary retention: A person has no sense that they require urination due to a loss of sensation.
Other symptoms of cauda equina syndrome include:
Sciatica is an injury that creates pain in the sciatica area. It is usually located in the lower back, or on both of your legs.
Low back pain that is sharp could be caused by disc inflammation that bulges out of the back.
The inability to walk happens because of a compromised motor function.
Reflexes decrease: When nerve signals are interrupted messages aren't able to reach the part of the spinal cord that produces reflexes.
Cauda equina syndrome diagnosis
Doctors need to determine if the patient suffers from conus medullaris or cauda. This can be accomplished by performing a thorough diagnostic test.
To diagnose cauda equina syndrome, imaging methods are required. Diagnostic methods for Cauda Equina are described below.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a technique that can diagnose CES, shows fine details and soft tissue.
Computer tomography (CT) The scan shows the bones and also how big the space surrounding the spinal cord is.
Myelogram: When an injection of a contrast color into your body, this is an X-ray of the spine. This will show if nerves are being pinched.
Does cauda equina syndrome go away?
The condition is not going to go away on its own. It's extremely difficult to live with cauda equina syndrome, especially as it can lead to paralysis and total incontinence. If you don't treat it, there is a chance of complications.
What are the treatment options for the cauda-equina disorder?
The nature of the issue will determine the cauda-equina treatment.
Lumbar laminectomy: A portion of the vertebra is surgically cut out to allow more space for the nerves being squeezed due to a problem with the vertebra.
Microdiscectomy: This is performed when the cauda-equina nerves become compressed by an expanding disc. The cartilage disk bulging zone is removed , and the nerves are relieved of pressure.
Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation: Tumors of the spine can be metastatic or primary cancer. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Conclusion
Conus medullaris as well as Cauda equina should be distinct. In order to prevent further damage from being caused, it's essential to get a diagnosis. Cauda treatment for equina syndrome needs to be initiated as soon as possible. The recovery of Cauda equina syndrome is contingent on how advanced the condition is, which is the reason why patients must be treated swiftly. |
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