brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Introduction
Cauda equina syndrome occurs when the bundle of nerves that extends from the bottom of the spinal cord is compressed or damaged. The most common cause of cauda equina syndrome is a herniated disk. Cauda equina syndrome causes severe pain in the lower back, urinary problems (such as incontinence). and loss of sensation in the buttocks, genital area, bladder, and rectum. Doctors immediately evaluate people with symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and do magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is often needed to relieve pressure on the cauda equina, and pain relievers and corticosteroids are used to relieve pain. A bundle of nerves extends downward from the bottom of the spinal cord, through the lower back bones (vertebrae) and over the bone at the base of the spine (sacrum). This bundle is called the cauda equina, which means horse’s tail in Latin, because that is what the bundle looks like. The symptoms that result from compression of or damage to the cauda equina are called the cauda equina syndrome. A bundle of nerves extends downward from the bottom of the spinal cord, through the lower back bones (vertebrae) and over the bone at the base of the spine (sacrum). This bundle is called the cauda equina, which means horse’s tail in Latin, because that is what the bundle looks like. The cauda equina may be compressed by a ruptured or herniated disk, a tumor, or an abscess. It may be damaged by an injury or swell because it becomes inflamed (as occurs in ankylosing spondylitis). The symptoms that result are called the cauda equina syndrome. 