Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord become compressed. This can happen in a number of ways, with a slipped disc, a spinal tumour, infection and inflammatory conditions all being possible causes. Early treatment of cauda equina syndrome Whatever the underlying problem, it is very important the nerves … Read more
If a lesion occurs on the lower part of the spine, it is possible that it will press upon the nerves located at the bottom of the spinal cord. These are called the cauda equina nerves and serve the pelvic and sexual organs, and enable sensation in the legs, genitalia and buttocks. What is a … Read more
The prognosis for recovery after cauda equina syndrome is dependent upon how quickly treatment is provided. If decompression surgery is performed soon after the onset of symptoms, a patient can go on to make a full recovery. But if there is too much of a delay, a patient will probably not regain normal function. What … Read more
At the bottom of the spinal cord sits a bundle of nerves called the cauda equina. If these become compressed for any reason, the individual in question will go on to develop a condition called cauda equina syndrome. If you or a family member are suffering from cauda equina compression, our best advice is to … Read more
If you are suffering from a painful lower back, constipation and are having difficulty urinating, it is possible that you have a condition known as cauda equina syndrome. Early signs of cauda equina syndrome Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves at the bottom of the spine are injured because something is compressing them (such … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome must be appropriately managed by medical professionals as it is important to treat the condition before urinary retention develops. This is because the prognosis for recovery from cauda equina syndrome is poor, making it very likely that a patient will be left to suffer permanent neurological complications. How to effectively treat cauda … Read more
If cauda equina syndrome is not treated quickly, the condition will progress to the complete stage, after which the prognosis for recovery is poor. This is because the nerve roots will have become so damaged that they cannot be repaired. A patient will therefore be left with permanent neurological complications, including: Chronic pain – permanently … Read more
Although damage to the cauda equina may be caused in a variety of ways, the term cauda equina (CES) has come to be applied specifically to the neurological dysfunction that follows massive central disc prolapse. This is rare, accounting for only about 2% of lumbar disc operations. This most common level is lumbar 4/5. Signs … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome is a condition in which the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord become compressed, usually due to a prolapsed disc, although other causes are possible. Stages of cauda equina syndrome Cauda equina syndrome has now been sub-divided into three types, namely: A rapid onset, without previous history of back problems … Read more
If your GP failed to recognise the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and therefore failed to refer you for further investigations, you could be in a position to make a claim. How should a GP manage cauda equina syndrome? Cauda equina syndrome may be defined as a complex of symptoms and signs consisting of lower … Read more
A patient with cauda equina syndrome must undergo urgent decompression surgery if he or she is to regain normal function. This must be done before the condition progresses to the complete stage, as the prognosis for recovery from cauda equina syndrome with urinary retention is poor. Deciding upon decompression surgery Cauda equina syndrome has very … Read more
When something such as a slipped disc or a spinal tumour places pressure upon the cauda equina nerves, the flow of blood will be obstructed, starving the nerves of oxygen. This is known medically as ‘ischaemia’. If a nerve fibre becoming ischaemic for too long, it will cause the death of the cell body. The … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome can be caused in a number of ways, but the most common is a disc prolapse. How does a disc prolapse cause cauda equina syndrome? A prolapsed disc is when the inner part of a vertebral disc (the rubber-like tissue that sits between each vertebra) bulges through the outer part of the … Read more
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a medical emergency. This means that it must be treated immediately if a patient is to avoid serious complications. If there is a delay – perhaps because doctors take a long making a diagnosis or do not appreciate the need for urgent treatment – there could be case of medical negligence. … Read more
Altered urinary habits are a classic sign of Cauda Equina Syndrome. If you are showing bladder symptoms, along with back pain and a loss of perineal sensation, medical professionals should immediately suspect spinal nerve compression. Cauda equina bladder symptoms The first symptom of Cauda Equina Syndrome is lower back pain, which may extend to one … Read more
As of 1 April 2013, changes to the law are going to alter the way in which cauda equina claims are made. In this article we explore these changes in more detail. If you want to avoid the implications of this new legislation, you should start your cauda equina without delay. How did cauda equina … Read more
Cauda Equina Claims Advice If you have suffered complications because medical professionals negligently managed your Cauda Equina Syndrome, you could be entitled to make a cauda equina claim. We are cauda equina claims specialists and are here to help you. We provide completely free, initial advice so that you fully understand your legal rights and … Read more
If you have been diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome, you will require emergency decompression surgery. In this article we explore why decompression surgery is needed, how it is performed and what will happen if there is a delay in treatment. Why is decompression surgery needed? Although relatively rare, the nerves located at the bottom of … Read more
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a condition in which the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed. This compression can be caused in a number of ways, one of which is an inflammatory disease. Inflammatory diseases and Cauda Equina Syndrome There are various inflammatory diseases that can cause Cauda Equina Syndrome, with two … Read more
If you have attended hospital but have received a substandard level of care, causing you to suffer injury, you will be entitled to make a claim against the NHS Trust in question. When can you make a cauda equina claim? Despite there being a low incidence rate of Cauda Equina Syndrome, it is a condition … Read more