Cauda equina syndrome is most frequently the result of a herniated disc but other conditions can cause compression of these vital nerves.
What is inflammation of the spine?
Inflammation of the spine is a rare condition where parts of the spine, such as the vertebrae and joints can become swollen and reddened, causing severe pain. It can occur in different parts of the spine for different reasons, though it frequently affects the sacroiliac joint which joins the spine to the pelvis. It is thought to affect men more than women and frequently to start in people between 20 and 30 years of age.
What causes inflammation of the spine?
There are a number of possible causes of inflammation of the spine including the following:
- Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory digestive system disorder, most frequently affecting the bowel
- Ankylosing Spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory condition
- Psoriatic arthritis, a development of psoriasis, which can affect the spine leading to the fusion of two or more vertebrae
- Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic (on-going) disease of the joints which usually affects hands, knees, hips and wrists, but which can also affect the spine
Of these disorders, ankylosing spondylitis is the most likely condition that might lead to cauda equina syndrome.
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis is an on-going form of arthritis causing inflammation of the joints. It usually starts in the lower spinal region. Symptoms associated with the disorder include chronic pain, stiffness, increasing spinal inflexibility and fatigue. It can lead to fusing of the vertebrae.
How does ankylosing spondylitis cause cauda equina syndrome?
The spinal canal, which is protected by the vertebrae, contains the spinal cord, carrying the nerves from the brain out to all the parts of the body. If the joints which have become inflamed due to Ankylosing Spondylitis impact on the spinal canal, this can lead to compression of the cauda equina nerves, found at the base of the spinal cord. This can cause cauda equina syndrome.
What are the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome?
There are clear, red flag, symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. These are:
- Sciatica-like pain in one or both legs, or weakness in the legs
- Tingling or numbness in the ‘saddle’ area
- Alteration in urinary experience, such as poor flow, retention when urinating, loss of sensation
- Lower back pain
- Sexual dysfunction
Where the condition has become more severe (‘complete’ cauda equina syndrome), painless urinary retention occurs, leading to incontinence.
How should cauda equina syndrome be treated?
Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency. It is widely believed that, to increase the chances of the best outcome, surgery should take place within 48 hours. An MRI scan is likely to be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome, followed by surgical decompression to try to relieve the pressure on the cauda equina nerves.
Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to a continuation of the above-mentioned symptoms and, in the worst cases, can lead to partial paralysis.
Medical Negligence
If you or a loved one have suffered the appalling effects of cauda equina syndrome and you feel that your outcome was impacted by poor medical care, you may be entitled to claim for compensation. Contact us at Glynns Solicitors to discuss your case.