Is cauda equina the same as spinal cord compression?

Spinal cord compression and Cauda Equina Syndrome have similar symptoms, including back pain and weakness or paralysis of the lower limbs. This means the relatively rare Cauda Equina Syndrome is often misdiagnosed as spinal cord compression, resulting in the right treatment often not being given in time.

How do you treat compression of cauda equina?

Cauda equina syndrome is best treated with decompression by a lumbar laminectomy, but a lumbar microdiscectomy may be used given a patient’s unique situation. The patient will likely be kept in the hospital for a few days following the surgery to monitor recovery of motor and sensory function.

What causes cauda equina compression?

Causes. Cauda equina syndrome may be caused by a herniated disk, tumor, infection, fracture, or narrowing of the spinal canal.

Can you walk with cauda equina?

If patients with cauda equina syndrome do not receive treatment quickly, adverse results can include paralysis, impaired bladder, and/or bowel control, difficulty walking, and/or other neurological and physical problems.

Is cauda equina a disability?

If a patient developing cauda equina syndrome does not undergo surgery at the key moment, they can be left with lifelong, disabling symptoms. If this is your experience, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

What is the most common cause of cauda equina syndrome?

These are the most common causes of cauda equina syndrome:

  • A severe ruptured disk in the lumbar area (the most common cause)
  • Narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis)
  • A spinal lesion or malignant tumor.
  • A spinal infection, inflammation, hemorrhage, or fracture.

Is walking good for cauda equina syndrome?

Pelvic floor exercises can assist with regaining bladder control and gentle aerobic exercise such as walking can help restore strength in the lower back and legs.

Why is cauda equina an emergency?

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a medical emergency because delayed decompression surgery can result in lifelong disability.

Does cauda equina pain come and go?

In an acute onset, sensory and motor deficits in the lower body typically develop within 24 hours. Gradual onset can develop over progressively, and symptoms may come and go over the course of several weeks or months.

Will cauda equina go away?

Cauda equina compression If the compression continues for too long, the nerves will sustain significant damage and will be permanently harmed meaning that sadly in this situation the cauda equina syndrome does not go away. The nerves are very delicate so it will not take long for extensive injury to occur.