Request an Appointment

Please call our office at 816-363-2500 to make an appointment. Don’t forget to bring your imaging studies with you.

What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

The spinal cord travels from the brain to the the first vertebra in the lumbar section of the body. From there, it branches off into many different nerve roots that travel to the lower body and legs.

These roots carry signals back and forth between the body and the brain, which allows for mobility and sensation. The bunch of nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord is called the cauda equina, which means “horse’s tail.” When the spinal cord narrows, it compresses the cauda equina, causing cauda equina syndrome. Compression can occur due to many reasons, including disc herniation, trauma, spinal stenosis, and tumors. It can also be caused by inflammatory or infectious conditions, as well as problems with previous medical procedures. Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition. If left untreated, it can cause incontinence, paralysis, and problems with movement and sensation.

Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome

  • Pain in the lower back
  • Pain in one or both legs that begins in the buttocks and travels down to the back of the thighs
  • Bowel and bladder problems.

A patient with cauda equina syndrome may also have a loss of sensation in the groin or saddle area and a lack or loss of reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength in the lower extremities.

Diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome

In order to diagnose cauda equina syndrome, the physician will go over the patient’s medical history and follow with a physical exam. During the exam, the physician will focus on the patient’s sensation, strength, reflexes, stability and mobility.

The diagnosis may be confirmed with an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. The physician may also order a bone scan or a myelogram.