cauda equina Flashcards
cauda equina etymology in latin?
horse tail
when does spinal cord end?
L1/L2
last portion of spinal cord is called what?
conus medullaris
which portion comes after conus medullaris?
cauda equina
what is the essential mechanical cause for cauda equina?
compression
most common cause for cauda equina?
lumbar disc prolapse
causes of cauda equina?
6
lumbar disc prolapse trauma tumour lumbar cord stenosis epidural abscess haematoma
symptoms of cauda equina?
-7
Low back pain sciatica Saddle anaesthesia Urinary retention or incontinence Leg weakness Erectile dysfunction
most common symptom of cauda equina?
low back pain
what is more worrying,
urinary retention or urinary incontinence?
urinary incontinence
what is more worrying,
unilateral or bilateral sciatic pain?
bilateral
1st line Ix
Urgent MRI
who must you refer to and how fast?
urgent referral to neurosurgery
if 1st line is contraindicated.
what is 2nd line Ix?
CT myelography
due to urinary retention what sign can be detected?
palpable bladder
