CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME Flashcards
1
Q
CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME classic presentation
A
- person comes in with unilateral sensory deficit in a non-dermatomal pattern
2
Q
similar DDX’s
A
- conus medullaris
- lumbar facet syndrome
- lumbar disc herniation
3
Q
supporting factors
A
- radicular pain that is more severe than the lower back pain
- slower onset
- saddle anesthesia
- numbness and weakness in lower limb
- gait changes
- bowel dysfunction
- dec. lower limb MSR
4
Q
refuting factors
A
- UMN findings
- bilateral symptoms
- location of pain
5
Q
relevant orthos
A
- dejerines triad
- valsavas test
6
Q
referrals
A
- immediate ER for assessment
- MRI
- emergency surgery for bladder function
7
Q
contraindications
A
- no adjusting until cleared by GP
8
Q
technique
A
- activator (after cleared)
9
Q
recommendations
A
- gentle exercise, stretching, non-inflammatory diet
10
Q
prognosis
A
- depends on extent
- fair
11
Q
questions to ask
A
- does wiping with toilet paper feel different?
- is it harder walking upstairs now?
- are your legs really tired
