Cauda Equina

Your Path

  • Cauda equina

Etiology

  • Compression of cauda equina (sacra roots, below L1) secondary to compression from tumor, disc, oa, infection or combinations

Symptoms

  • Acute/sub-acute back pain
  • Lower extremity weakness and numbness
  • Bowel and/or bladder incontinence

Physical Exam Findings

  • Saddle distribution (perineal, inside thighs, external genitalia) numbness
  • Weakness and numbness of legs
  • Decreased/absent rectal tone
  • Palpable bladder, high post void residual