Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda Equina Syndrome occurs when a disc in the spine bulges backward causing severe compression of the nerves below the L1/2 level. The exact nature of the patient symptoms depend on the level at which the compression has occurred but will frequently include 3 cardinal symptoms:
- Bilateral Sciatica (pain down both legs)
- Saddle anaesthesia (altered sensation in the private parts)
- Loss of urinary continence
These symptoms may present acutely i.e. over a number of hours or more slowly over days.
Early surgery is vital for patients presenting with a cauda equina syndrome if they are to avoid long term difficulties with continence.
Patient presenting with a cauda equina syndrome:
Large disc at L5/S1 compressing the cauda equina.
Tags: cauda equina syndrome surgery, cauda equina syndrome surgery Dublin, spinal clinic physiotherapy
Mr Morris was appointed as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon to the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght in 2007 before taking up his current post at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in 2013. His higher orthopaedic training was on the Irish …Read more