Cauda Equina Syndrome
CES is a topical issue, it can have a devastating effect on quality of life, place a significant burden on medical services and have considerable medico-legal implications arising from the perceived ramification of delays - Gavin Heyes
image by: Ashley Terkawi
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Learn to Spot and Treat Cauda Equina Syndrome
When it comes to back pain, we are on the lookout for pyelonephritis, fracture, spinal epidural abscess/discitis, spinal epidural hematoma, mass, abdominal aortic aneurysm, retroperitoneal hematoma, and CES, as well as a variety of potential abdominal conditions.
If you think that asking back pain patients about urinary incontinence is enough, you’re going to run into trouble eventually.
The cauda equina (Latin for “horse’s tail”) is made up of the ascending and descending nerve roots from L2 to the coccygeal segments. It is responsible for lower limb movement and sensation, bladder control/urination, external anal sphincter control and defecation, sexual function, and sensation…
Resources
What Does Compression of The Cauda Equina Feel like?
”What did it feel like to have compression of the Cauda Equina ?” is probably the most frequent thing we are asked by friends and family. It’s a good question and after speaking to others who have experienced it, there are many similarities and a few unique differences.
Cauda equina syndrome
Sciatica is pain or numbness that is usually referred below the knee (in contrast to non-radicular pain referred to the upper posterior thigh). Although bilateral sciatica is the classic “red flag” symptom for cauda equina syndrome (CES), it is present in only about 50% of cases
Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare syndrome that has been described as a complex of symptoms and signs—low back pain, unilateral or bilateral sciatica, motor weakness of lower extremities, sensory disturbance in saddle area, and loss of visceral function—resulting from compression of the cauda equina. CES occurs in approximately 2% of cases of herniated lumbar discs and is one of the few spinal surgical emergencies
Influence of timing of surgery on Cauda equina syndrome: Outcomes at a national spinal centre
CES is a topical issue, it can have a devastating effect on quality of life, place a significant burden on medical services and have considerable medico-legal implications arising from the perceived ramification of delays. As this is one of the largest studies to date and the first to utilise BASS classification we believe it offers a useful contribution to current literature.
My Story – Living with Cauda Equina
When someone says they have Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) they are describing the neurological effects of the nerve compression. We call these Red Flags, they are indicators that there is/or has been spinal cord compression.
The lived experience of Cauda Equina Syndrome: a qualitative analysis
An exploratory qualitative analysis, using semi-structured interviews to investigate the lived experience of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES).
What did it feel like to have compression of the Cauda Equina?
If you know someone who has just suffered Cauda Equina Syndrome my best advice is to be as supportive as possible. In one day your life completely changes. It is a massive ordeal to cope with physically, mentally and emotionally.
Learn to Spot and Treat Cauda Equina Syndrome
The challenge is that CES is more complex than that patient with worsening back pain and urinary changes. When we miss CES, it is often because we failed to consider the condition as a possibility. That cognitive error can lead to completing an inadequate history and exam and failing to perform the right diagnostic tests.2,9–12 It takes, on average, 11 days from onset of symptoms until the correct diagnosis is made. Back pain is the most common presenting symptom, followed by saddle sensory changes and bladder dysfunction
Cauda Equina Champions Charity
Raising awareness is an absolute priority. We will ensure that CES becomes a household name and that everyone, including healthcare professionals, are aware of the ‘Red Flag Symptoms’ enabling timely diagnosis and management of cauda equina syndrome.
Cauda Equina Foundation
Cauda Equina Foundation, Inc. serves to improve the quality of life and care for individuals living with cauda equina syndrome and associated disorders.
Cauda Equina UK
A voice for those affected by Cauda Equina Syndrome in the UK.
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