Cauda Equina Syndrome

Question 1

Between which vertebral levels does the mass of nerves named the Cauda Equina fan out of the spinal cord?

Answer 1

CAUDA EQUINA between:
L1
and 
L2
area known as:
CONUS MEDULLARIS

Question 2

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) results from the simultaneous compression of multiple ______________ nerve roots below the level of the conus medullaris.

Answer 2

LUMBOSACRAL

Question 3

Causes of CES primarily result from any _____________ of the spinal cord space.

Answer 3

NARROWING of SC
disc herniation
spinal stenosis
trauma
primary or metastatic tumors
infectious conditions
latrogenic injury
spinal bifida

Question 4

What are the major signs and symptoms of CES?

Answer 4

SEXUAL NUMBNESS
BLADDER/BOWEL ISSUES
LEG WEAKNESS
LOWER EXTREMITY REFLEX ABSENT OR REDUCED
SLR POSITIVE
LOW BACK PAIN
SCIATICA

Question 5

What should we do as therapists as soon as bladder/bowel dysfunction is suspected, with other symptoms of CES?

Answer 5

EMERGENCY - MRI + SURGERY NEEDED FAST