Cauda Equina Dysfunction

The cauda equina are a group of nerves fundamental to the effective functioning of the human body. Loss of cauda equina function can lead to disability and distress.

What are the cauda equina nerves?

The cauda equina nerves are located at the base of the spine in the lumbar region. Their function is to convey messages of sensation from the lower body to the brain via the central nervous system and to convey instructions of movement from the brain to the muscles of the lower body.

It can thus be seen that effective functioning of these nerves is crucial in enabling the body to interpret and respond to sensation.

What does the cauda equina control?

• The cauda equina nerves control the muscles of the bowel, enabling effective control of the passing of wind and faeces.
• They also control the functioning of the bladder – specifically the individual’s awareness of the need to urinate and control of the muscles which initiate that process.
• They control sexual sensations in terms of awareness and physical response.
• They control muscular movement of the ankle reflexes, thereby enabling the individual to flex the foot up and down.

The vulnerability of the cauda equina nerves

Due to their location at the base of the spine, however, these nerves are extremely vulnerable to any damage that may be occurring to the discs.

A variety of disorders can cause the cauda equina nerves to become compressed such as:

• Herniation of the disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Inflammation of the spine
• A tumour in the spine

Impact of damaged cauda equina nerves

Severe compression of the cauda equina nerves can leave an individual with double incontinence, sexual dysfunction and mobility problems. They may find that they are unable to prevent the passing of wind, for example, or that they lose sexual sensation. The may become dependent on a wheelchair and require extensive adaptations to their home in order to be able to cope independently.

Recovering from cauda equina syndrome

Timing of the diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome is absolutely vital to the patient’s likely outcome.

A delay in diagnosing the condition which allows the patient to lose control of their bladder sensation may well mean that the patient is less likely to recover the function of their nerves after surgery.

Diagnosis and surgery are ideally required before bladder sensation is lost as it has been observed that surgery at this point is more likely to lead to recovery of function.

Medical negligence

If your symptoms of cauda equina syndrome were not diagnosed until your chances of a good recovery were lost, it may be that your medical practitioners have been guilty of medical negligence.

Contact us to talk to a specialist solicitor about your experience and whether it would be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.

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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