cauda equina syndrome


cau·da e·qui·na syn·drome

involvement, often asymmetric, of multiple roots making up the cauda equina (that is, L2-S3 roots), manifested by pain, paresthesia, and weakness; often bladder and bowel sphincter function is unaffected because of sacral sparing (lack of compromise of the S2, S3, and S4 roots).

cauda equina syndrome

Acute cauda equina syndrome Neurosurgery
A condition caused by compression of multiple lumbosacral nerve roots in the spinal canal due to an abrupt prolapse of the lumbar disk Clinical CES is a medical emergency characterized by bilateral sciatica in the lower back and upper buttocks, saddle anesthesia, urinary retention, bowel dysfunction Diagnosis Myelography, CT, MRI Management Standard laminotomy-diskectomy–98% success; microsurgical diskectomy–86%, percutaneous diskectomy–67%

cau·da e·qui·na syn·drome

(kaw'dă ē-kwī'nă sin'drōm) Dull pain in upper sacral region, with anesthesia or analgesia in buttocks, genitalia, or thigh; accompanied by disturbed bowel and bladder function. Indicative of pressure on the cauda equina, as from a tumor or degenerative disc disease. [L. horse tail]

cauda equina syndrome

The result of a central protrusion backwards of the pulpy inner material (nucleus pulposus) of an INTERVERTEBRAL DISC, in the part of the spinal canal below the termination of the spinal cord. A leash of nerves run down in this area and these may be compressed. There is acute back pain, SCIATICA and interference with bladder function.