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How Does Cauda Equina Syndrome Work? Cauda equina means horse's tail. It refers to the nerves located at the end of the spinal cord, which resemble the tail of horses. These nerves can be affected by Cauda Equina Syndrome. Sacral problems, legs as well as motor nerve fibers can be caused by sensory and motor impairments. What is cauda-equina syndrome? Cauda equina syndrome which is often referred to CES syndrome, is where damage is caused to specific nerves that are collectively known as the cauda equina. Cauda compressing the equina is the most common problem in this case, as the caudal nerves are compressed. Whether you demand special info about CES, browse this site. How common is the cauda-equina condition? CES is not common, but its it's prevalence among the general population varying from about 1 out of 32,000 to one in 100,000 people. Where is the cauda horse? The nerves originate out from the base of your spinal cord. The cauda nerves in the equina range between the second lumbar vertebra to the first vertebra of the coccyx. The nerves extend outwards, expanding further into smaller nerves which innervate pelvis structures. The conus medullaris, the cauda-equina equina nerves are the spinal cord. Conus medullaris vs cauda equina Conus medullaris is an area of the spinal cord which is in the shape of cone. Conus medullaris syndrome is an additional disorder that can occur which is similar to the cauda equina. Conus medullaris is a condition that occurs when the nerve is injured higher between the 12th vertebrae and 2nd lumbar vertebrae. The symptoms of Conus medullaris syndrome include: Extreme back pain Strange sensations, like tingling sensations in the legs and the back What is the cause of cauda equina? Cauda Equina syndrome is caused by causes that lead to the spinal nerves being affected in some way. The causes of the syndrome are described below. Herniated disk is an injury to nerves caused by bulging cartilaginous tissue. Spinal Stenosis: This is when the spinal canal has narrowed. Spina bifida: This is a congenital problem where there is an issue with the way that the spinal cord has developed. Diskitis A spinal cord infection is an inflammation of the space between vertebrae. The spine is a tumor: This is when a tumor forms in the tissue around the spine. It puts pressure on the nerves of the lower spine. A lumbar injury that is traumatized region: A collision can damage the structures and nerves in the spinal region. Inflammatory demyelinating Polyneuropathy: This is a type of polyneuropathy which can result in cauda-equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome symptoms Cauda equina symptoms are primarily affecting the pelvic region and the legs and can be characterized by a lack of leg strength and numbness throughout the areas served by the caudal nerves. What are the initial signs of cauda-equina syndrome? The first signs and symptoms of cauda-equina syndrome are given below. Saddle paresthesia is a sensation that causes tingling or numbness in the buttocks, thighs , and in the groin. Saddle anesthesia is by far the most commonly reported symptoms. It happens when the area affected feels as if they're numb. The loss of sensation and weakness in the legs. A damaged cauda equina nerves can cause signals coming from legs can not travel easily across the spinal cord. Numbness is a common indication of a variety of spine degenerative issues. Bowel incontinence: The tone of the anal sphincter could be diminished which can lead to fecal leakage. Bladder leakage: If the bladder is filled it may cause excessive urine production, which can lead to bladder incontinence. Urinary retention: The patient does not feel the require urination due to a loss of sensation. These are additional symptoms of cauda-equina disorder: Sciatica is an illness that causes discomfort in the sciatica region. It can be located in the lower back, or on both of your legs. Pain in the lower back that is acute It can be because of inflammation of the region of the back where the disc is bulging. Inability to walk: This can occur because of a compromised motor function. Reflexes are reduced: If nerve signals are interrupted messages don't get to the area of the spinal cord that generates reflexes. Cauda equina syndrome diagnosis It is essential for doctors to determine whether a patient is suffering from cauda equina vs conus medullaris. You can do this by performing careful diagnostic testing. To diagnose cauda equina syndrome, imaging methods are required. Here are the procedures to diagnose cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method to diagnose CES It also shows fine details and soft tissue. Computer tomography (CT) A scan shows the bones as well as how large the space around the spinal cord is. Myelogram: This is an X-ray of the spine after a contrast color has been in the body. This test can see if nerves have been trapped. Does cauda equina syndrome go away? This issue cannot be resolved by itself. It can be extremely challenging to live with CES particularly since it can lead to paralysis and total incontinence. If not treated, complications could occur. What are the options for treating cauda-equina symptoms? Cauda equina treatment depends on the specific cause of the condition. Lumbar laminectomy: A piece of the vertebra is surgically cut to allow more space for the nerves getting pinched because of an issue in the vertebra. Microdiscectomy This procedure is necessary when the cauda equina nerves are compressed by an expanding disk. The bulging cartilage disk zone is eliminated and the nerves are freed from pressure. Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation: The tumors of the spine could be cancerous in the primary or metastatic form. Surgery along with radiation and chemotherapy may be used for treatment. Conclusion Conus medullaris and Cauda equina must be distinct. Diagnosis needs to be done before further damage can be caused. Cauda Equina Syndrome treatment needs to be started as soon as possible. The severity of the disease will determine the speed at which patients recover from Cauda Equina Syndrome.