Cauda Equina Syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
What nerve are compressed
A
L2-S4
2
Q
Is cauda equina syndrome chronic or rapid onset?
A
Rapid
*due to the sudden decrease in spinal canal volume
*muscles are paralyzed due to compression
*bowel and bladder incontinence happen
3
Q
What are the symptoms?
A
- Radicular symtpoms
- Perianal numbness
- Weakness
4
Q
What PE tests should you conduct?
A
- Walk on heels/toes
*to detect weakness - Motor and sensory
- Sphincter tone
- Perianal sensation
5
Q
What tests should you order?
A
- MRI (confirmation)
- CT myelogram (confirmation)
- XRays
- CBC, CRP, ESR
6
Q
What is the treatment?
A
- Surgical emergency
*need decompression to relieve pressure on the nerve roots
