Bladder Function and Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome will impact upon bladder function. If treatment is not provided in time, bladder dysfunction may be permanent.

Why is bladder function impaired by CES?

Sensation in the bladder is enabled largely by the S3/S4/S5 nerve roots. If these nerve roots are compressed, as they are with cauda equina syndrome, it will impact upon bladder function. The affected individual will consequently experience urinary problems.

Ordinarily, the person will find that it is difficult to urinate. He/she will not be able to empty their bladder fully and so will feel the need to pass urine more frequently. There will be a poor flow and reduced sensation in the bladder and urethra. Straining or women having to stand to urinate is typical of incomplete cauda equina syndrome.

Bladder function will continue to deteriorate the longer compression carries on. Within a short space of time, the nerve roots will be so damaged that function is lost entirely. This is called complete cauda equina syndrome and means that a patient will not have executive control of their bladder. There will be no sensation, no awareness as to when the bladder needs to be emptied, and episodes of overflow incontinence.

Bladder function after CES

The level of bladder function after cauda equina syndrome will depend entirely upon the timing of treatment. Bladder function can be preserved if surgery is performed in time, meaning a patient can go on to make a full recovery.

For function to be preserved, surgery must be carried out within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Nevertheless, it may take some time for function to return, as the bladder can recover for up to five years after CES.

Sadly if surgery is not performed within 48 hours, the dye will be cast and a patient will be left with long-term urinary dysfunction. This can be very distressing and may necessitate intermittent self-catheterisation.

Failure to treat cauda equina syndrome

Unfortunately there are times when cauda equina syndrome is not treated in time because doctors fail to make a prompt diagnosis.

A failure to diagnose will be considered unreasonable, as medical practitioners should be able to recognise the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. These include saddle anaesthesia, bladder dysfunction and back pain. Together these are very worrying symptoms and should elicit an immediate response from medical practitioners.

If medical practitioners do not diagnose cauda equina syndrome and a patient is left with permanent bladder dysfunction, there may be grounds for compensation claim. Please get in touch with us to find out more.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300, from a mobile click to call 01275 334030 or complete our Free Online Enquiry for a no cost, no obligation opinion.

Share Article With: