Is cauda equina an emergency?

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare disorder that usually is a surgical emergency. In patients with cauda equina syndrome, something compresses on the spinal nerve roots. You may need fast treatment to prevent lasting damage leading to incontinence and possibly permanent paralysis of the legs.

Should I go to ER for cauda equina?

Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency that must be treated with immediate surgical decompression. Therefore you must go to hospital as soon as you develop the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome.

When does cauda equina become an emergency?

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a medical emergency because delayed decompression surgery can result in lifelong disability. The red flag symptoms to be alert to are: lower back pain; pain in one or both legs (often pain which radiates down the leg(s));

How long can you have cauda equina syndrome?

Once extensive nerve damage happens, the consequences will be permanent. There may be some improvement in a patient's condition in the years following the cauda equina compression. However, medical practitioners normally advise that after five years a patient cannot expect to see any further improvement.

How quickly does cauda equina progress?

Unlike most back problems that are longstanding or chronic, cauda equina is an acute event, like a stroke or heart attack. It most often develops rapidly, within as few as 6 to 10 hours.

Cauda equina syndrome - a surgical emergency

Does cauda equina get worse over time?

Gradual onset cauda equina syndrome is when the condition occurs slowly, with symptoms getting progressively worse over a matter of weeks, months or even years. During this period, the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome may seem to come and go, with certain symptoms improving before deteriorating again.

Is saddle paresthesia an emergency?

At first this might cause a tingling in the saddle region, or paraesthesia. This is a red flag symptom of cauda equina syndrome and, if experienced alongside other symptoms such as leg pain and tingling and urinary difficulties, should merit an emergency referral for an MRI scan.

Can cauda equina cause death?

Cauda equina syndrome cannot cause death. Nevertheless, it can cause a number of other tragic consequences if left untreated. This is because cauda equina syndrome happens when the cauda equina nerves are compressed, normally by something such as a slipped disc or tumour.

Can cauda equina develop slowly?

Cauda equina syndrome can have a rapid onset with sudden severe symptoms, but it can also develop slowly, with early symptoms that often mimic other conditions. Recognizing these early symptoms is essential for a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment by experienced neurosurgeons in northern New Jersey.

Can you fully recover from cauda equina?

Although cauda equina syndrome is not a fatal condition, it can cause severe neurological damage. If the condition is not treated quickly enough, this damage may be irreversible, meaning a patient will not make a full recovery.

When should you go to the hospital for back spasms?

Sudden, intolerable pain in the lower back and/or leg(s) Back pain that radiates to the abdomen in front. Loss of consciousness. Back pain that follows a trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident.

What happens if cauda equina is not treated?

If patients with cauda equina syndrome do not seek immediate treatment to relieve the pressure, it can result in permanent paralysis, impaired bladder and/or bowel control, loss of sexual sensation, and other problems.

When should you go to A&E with sciatica?

Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if you:

have weakness or numbness in both legs that's severe or getting worse. have numbness around or under your genitals, or around your bottom (anus) find it hard to start peeing, cannot pee or cannot control when you pee – and this is not normal for you.

Why is spinal cord compression an emergency?

Spinal cord compression can cause cauda equina syndrome, which needs medical attention right away. Call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you have: Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control. Severe or increasing numbness between your legs, inner thighs, or back of your legs.

Does cauda equina make you feel sick?

The collection of nerve roots, shaped like a horse's tail, is located at the bottom of your spinal cord. Because of the cauda equina nerves, you can move and feel sensations in your legs and urinary bladder. Compressed cauda equina nerves can cause pain, weakness, incontinence and other symptoms.

Should I go to the ER for a slipped disc?

Severe Herniated Disc

Sudden injury and/or excessive strain may cause the inner portion of the disc to stick out through the outer ring which is called a herniated (ruptured or slipped) disc. The severe case of a herniated disk is a medical emergency because of intolerable pain and discomfort.

What are red flags for cauda equina?

Red flag symptoms

Bilateral sciatica (pain and altered sensation in the legs) Bladder dysfunction such as having to strain or an altered flow or altered awareness of the need to urinate. Tingling or numbness in the saddle area between the legs and around the anus. Alteration of sexual sensation.

What can mimics cauda equina syndrome?

Elsberg syndrome is a rare infectious syndrome that mimics cauda equina syndrome. 3 It is an acute, bilateral lumbosacral myeloradiculitis, which characteristically occurs secondary to herpes virus infection. Most commonly, HSV-2 is the causative pathogen, but VZV is also a well-recognised aetiological agent.

Why is cauda equina so rare?

Unlike other well-known back conditions such as sciatica and scoliosis, Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is relatively unheard of. This is in part because it is an uncommon condition, and also because – providing it is diagnosed and treated quickly – there is often a positive outcome for the patient.

What is the first signs of cauda equina?

What are the stages of cauda equina?

Group 4: absence of saddle sensation and sexual function, and uncontrolled bowel function. Clinical stages were defined as preclinical (group 1), early (group 2), middle (group 3), and late (group 4).

Can I work with cauda equina?

Cannot work after cauda equina syndrome

Without immediate surgery, the patient can be left doubly incontinent, along with the loss of sensation in the legs, buttocks and genitals. An outcome such as this will severely hinder the individual's ability to work.

Why is saddle anesthesia and emergency?

If a patient has saddle anaesthesia and other symptoms associated with cauda equina syndrome, an urgent referral should be made for an MRI scan. Saddle anaesthesia in particular is a red flag symptom of cauda equina syndrome. A patient may have symptoms such as lower back pain for a long period of time.

What does saddle numbness feel like?

Numbness in or around the back passage and / or genitals; Inability to feel the toilet paper when wiping; Tingling sensation in the saddle area; Weakness in the saddle area.

What saddle paraesthesia feels like?

Saddle paresthesia – numbness and tingling along the inner thighs and lower groin, the areas that would be in contact if you were sitting in a saddle. Bowel incontinence – problems holding in urination or defecation.