Cauda Equina Bladder Dysfunction

One of the main symptoms of cauda equina syndrome is bladder dysfunction. If the condition is not treated quickly enough, bladder dysfunction will continue in the long-term.

Bladder symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

At the bottom of the spinal cord is a bundle of nerves called the cauda equina, so-called because it looks like a horse’s tail. If the nerves are put under any pressure – for example, from a slipped disc – they will soon become damaged. Indeed, the nerves are very sensitive and it does not take very long for them to suffer harm.

One of the purposes of the cauda equina nerves is to provide sensation to the genital area, and to enable function of the bladder. Therefore when the cauda equina nerves are damaged, bladder dysfunction will follow. This will involve a variety of symptoms, including:-

• Needing to urinate more often;
• Not being able to fully empty the bladder;
• Needing to strain in order to empty the bladder;
• Reduced or lost sensation in the urethra when urinating.

If the cauda equina nerves are compressed for too long, a patient’s bladder dysfunction will become increasingly worse until there is:-

• No sensation in the bladder;
• Urinary retention (being unable to urinate);
• Overflow incontinence, where the bladder is so full there is an episode of incontinence. This is painless because the patient has no sensation in the bladder.

Long-term bladder dysfunction

When a patient has urinary retention with painless overflow incontinence, it means the cauda equina nerves have suffered extensive damage. This is known as complete cauda equina syndrome.

When a patient has complete cauda equina syndrome, it is very unlikely that any treatment will be effective. This is because the nerves have sustained so much harm that the injury is irreparable. A patient’s symptoms – including bladder dysfunction – will therefore be permanent.

Consequently the individual in question will probably require a catheter, and will need to learn self-catheterisation. This will usually be required for the foreseeable future, because although symptoms can improve in the years following cauda equina compression, it is difficult to regain normal function.

Have you been left with bladder dysfunction?

If you have been left with bladder dysfunction as a result of cauda equina syndrome, you need to question why you suffered this complication. If a delay in diagnosis and treatment is to blame, it is possible that medical professionals are responsible for your current condition. This means you will be considered the victim of negligent medical care and entitled to claim compensation. Contact us today 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.

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