cauda equina syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
what
A
surgical emergency when nerve roots of cauda equina are compressed
requires emergency decompression surgery to prevent permanent neurological dysfunction
2
Q
cauda equina - sensory function
A
perineum
bladder
rectum
3
Q
cauda equina - motor function
A
lower limbs
anal + urethral sphinters
4
Q
cauda equina - parasympathetic function
A
bladder
rectum
5
Q
cauda equina - nerve compression causes
A
herniated disc tumours - esp metastases spondylolethesis abscess trauma
6
Q
red flags
A
saddle anaethesia urinary + faecal incontinence bilateral sciatica bilateral motor weaknes reduced anal tone
7
Q
management
A
emergency MRI
neurosurgery - lumbar decompression surgery
8
Q
metastatic spinal cord compressoin
A
when metastatic lesion compresses spinal cord (before end of spinal cord and start of cauda equina)
9
Q
MSCC presentation
A
similar to cauda ewuina
key feature - back pain worse on coughing + straining
10
Q
MSCC Mx
A
high dose dexamethasone analgesia surgery radiotherapy chemotherapy
