Cauda Equina Syndrome Bladder Symptoms

Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves at the base of the spinal cord are compressed. It is associated with various symptoms, with bladder symptoms being amongst the most notable and the most important indications of cauda equina nerve compression.

Bladder symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

Amongst other things, the cauda equina nerves provide function and sensation to the bladder and urethra (the tube the urine travels along when leaving the body). When they are compressed they will become damaged and this will adversely affect the function of the nerves. Consequently the bladder will not work normally. Because human beings urinate on a frequent basis, any sort of bladder dysfunction is very noticeable.

The bladder symptoms that will appear with cauda equina nerve compression include the following:

• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder, resulting in retention of urine
• The need to stand, strain or press on the bladder to urinate
• Poor urinary flow
• Reduced sensation/numbness when urinating
• Reduced sensation in the bladder, making it hard to tell when the bladder is full

Unless treatment is given, these bladder symptoms will get increasingly worse over time. This is because the nerves are continuing to be compressed, and are therefore continuing to suffer damage. The more damage is sustained, the worse the dysfunction will be.

Eventually, the bladder dysfunction will be so severe that the individual will not have any sensation in their bladder. He/she will not be aware when the bladder is full, meaning the bladder will simply overflow – i.e. the bladder becomes so full that it cannot hold any more urine and the person has an episode of incontinence. This will be entirely painless.

Other symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

Bladder dysfunction is not the only symptom associated with cauda equina syndrome. Below are the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. When they appear together, a clinician should immediately consider the presence of spinal nerve compression.

The red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome are:

• Lower back pain which may extend to one leg/both legs/the buttocks
• Reduced sensation/numbness in the perineum, buttocks and genitals
• Lower limb dysfunction – e.g. foot drop and poor reflexes
• Reduced anal tone
• Bladder dysfunction

Failure to spot red flag symptoms of CES

If a doctor fails to spot the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, resulting in a delay in diagnosis and treatment, there may be grounds for a compensation claim. Contact us today for more information.

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