Raising Awareness of Cauda Equina Syndrome

RAISING AWARENESS OF CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME WHAT IS IT? Affected areas: Cauda equina syndrome requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage to the nerves to your bladder and bowel. Cauda equina syndrome is a serious neurological condition where the nerves at the very bottom of the spinal cord become compressed. This can be because of a slipped disc in the spine. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? If you develop these Lower back pain • Numbness in your groin /rectal region • Bowel disturbance • Paralysis of one or both legs Inability to pass urine or symptoms you should seek medical assistance immediately. Your GP or the Accident and Emergency department will refer you to confirm diagnosis by MRI scan. incontinence • Sexual dysfunction If the scan shows that the cause of the pressure is reversible, then it is most likely that you will be advised to proceed with a surgical decompression. HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED? Prevention of Cauda Equina Syndome is Spinal decompression: focused on early diagnosis by identifying the symptoms. While low back pain with leg pain and/or weakness is a common complaint that affects many people, Cauda Equina Syndome is a rare complication. In many cases of cauda equina syndrome, emergency decompression of the spinal canal is the best treatment option. The goal is to relieve pressure on the nerves of the cauda equina by removing the compressing structures and increasing the space available for the nerves in the spinal canal. MDS MOOSA - DUKE SOLICITORS