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
what happens to lower limb reflex
↓/absent
what must you check on examination to not get sued.
anal tone - PR
in which nerve roots is sensation lost?
what descriptive term is this given?
↓S2-S4 sensation
saddle anaesthesia
disc prolapse is cause of cauda equina.
1st line Mx
discectomy
spinal cord stenosis is cause of cauda equina.
1st line Mx?
laminectomy
complications of cauda equina?
-4
leg weakness erectile dysfunction
urinary dysfunction
chronic pain.
leg weakness can lead to what further complication.
DVT risk
risks of surgery?
-4
infection
haematoma
nerve root damage
CSF leakage
