MDT Cauda Equina Syndrome

Question 1

The __________ is a bundle of nerves that spread out from the bottom of the spinal
cord

Answer 1

cauda equina

Question 2

__________ is the medical term for a group of symptoms that happen when some of the nerves in the cauda equina get squeezed or damaged.

Answer 2

Cauda equina syndrome

Question 3

Pathophysiology for cauda equina

Answer 3

A herniated disc
Infection or inflammation
Cancer
Spinal stenosis

Question 4

________ is a condition in which the vertebrae form bumps called bone spurs. These bumps can squeeze or press on the nerves in the cauda equina. In people with this, the discs between the vertebrae also tend to dry up and shrink. That causes the space between the vertebrae to get smaller, sometimes pinching nerves.

Answer 4

Spinal stenosis

Question 5

Clinical presentation for what?

(1) Pain, numbness, or tingling in the lower back and spreading down 1 or both legs
(2) Leg weakness or a problem called “foot drop,” which is when you cannot seem to hold your foot up (while walking)
(3) Problems with bowel or bladder control
(4) Problems with sex

Answer 5

Cauda Equina Syndrome….

Question 6

True/False

Cauda equina syndrome is not a medical emergency.

Answer 6

False MEDIVAC!

Question 7

What type of imaging would you get for cauda equina?

Answer 7

MRI

Question 8

the cause is an infection or inflammation what would you treat cauda equina with

Answer 8

medications to treat those problems….