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Cauda Equine Syndrome - Coggle Diagram
Cauda Equine Syndrome
Key Facts
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The caudal equina is formed by the nerve roots caudal (distal) to the level of termination of the spinal cord at L1/L2
Epidemiology
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Rare, occurring mainly in adults but can occur at any age
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Clinical Presentation
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Sciatic is pain, numbness and a tingling sensation that radiates from lower back and travels down one of the legs to the foot and toes
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MAJOR DIFFERENCE between CAUDA EQUINA and lesions HIGHER UP in the CORD is that LEG WEAKNESS is flaccid and areflexic and NOT spastic & hyperreflexic
Differential Diagnosis
Conus medullaris syndrome, vertebral fracture, peripheral neuropathy, mechanical back pain
Diagnosis
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Straight leg raising - L5, S1, root problem - people with acute disc can barely get leg OFF bed
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Treatment
Refer to neurosurgeon ASAP to RELIEVE PRESSURE or risk irreversible paralysis/sensory loss/incontinence
- Microdiscectomy - removal of part of the disc
- Epidural steroid injection - more effective for leg pain
- Surgical spine fixation - if vertebra slipped
- Spinal fusion - reduces pain from motion and nerve root inflammation