Cauda Equina Syndrome Examination Findings

If a doctor suspects that a patient has cauda equina syndrome, an examination should be carried out immediately. The findings of this examination will help determine whether or not a patient has spinal nerve compression.

Cauda equina syndrome symptoms

If a patient presents with the symptoms indicative of cauda equina syndrome, the treating doctor should recognise the possibility of spinal nerve compression and carry out further tests. The red flag symptoms that should alert a medical professional to cauda equina syndrome include:-

• Chronic back pain that may or may not radiate down one/both legs;
• Perineal numbness;
• Bladder dysfunction with increased frequency and the inability to fully void.

Cauda equina syndrome examination

The first thing a doctor must do is ask a patient about the nature of their symptoms, paying special attention to those typical of cauda equina syndrome. Along with those listed above, a patient may also report sexual dysfunction and the loss of sensation when urinating.

Next a doctor should carry out a physical examination. Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed and lose function. An examination will help to identify whether function has in fact been lost. During the examination a doctor should:-

• Test reflexes and muscle strength in the feet and legs;
• Perform a digital rectal examination to check for the loss of anal tone;
• Check for numbness in the perineum;
• Check the location of the pain to see if it runs along the sciatic nerve.

A doctor should also carry out further tests to rule out other conditions. In particular, urine and blood tests will help identify if an infection is present.

Cauda equina syndrome examination findings

If the examination findings support a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome, a patient should be sent for an urgent MRI scan. This action should be taken if the examination findings show that there is:-

• Poor reflexes and weakness in the lower limbs;
• Loss of anal tone;
• Saddle anaesthesia (numbness in the perineum and genital area);
• No abnormality in the blood or urine samples that suggest a differential diagnosis.

If a medical professional fails to examine a patient with the characteristic symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, the standard of care will be considered unacceptable. If this causes a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder and a patient suffers further injury, there will be grounds for a compensation claim.

Cauda equina solicitors

If you have suffered because doctors failed to diagnose and treat your cauda equina syndrome in a timely fashion, you will be 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.

Share Article With: