Cauda Equina

What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Cauda Equina is a very serious condition causing nerve root damage. This is a rare disorder where pressure is exerted on a collection of nerves located at the bottom of the spinal cord known as the ‘cauda equina’. The cauda equina set of nerves looks like a horse’s tail, which is where it gets its name from.

Cauda Equina Syndrome is quite rare, occurring in 1 to 3 in 100,000 people and is considered a medical emergency that can lead to permanent damage, including bladder and bowel incontinence, if not treated promptly.

Symptoms Of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)

Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome usually start suddenly and can progress quickly. There is a chronic form of the condition, which usually stems from another long-term neurological condition such as Multiple Sclerosis.

Other causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome can include slipped/ herniated disc, severe bone infection, spinal/ bone tumours, recent spinal surgery or spinal trauma.

Common Symptoms Include:

Lower back pain
Muscle weakness and loss of sensation
Numbness in the groin area and around the back passage
Loss of normal bladder and bowel function

Why Might A Person With Cauda Equina Syndrome Become Incontinent?

The cauda equina nerves supply muscle sensation to the bladder, bowel and legs. When these nerves become suppressed from Cauda Equina Syndrome, then muscle sensation becomes lost, which can result in loss of bladder and/ or bowel control.

Common Incontinence Conditions Include

Constipation
Faecal incontinence
Urinary retention
Loss of bladder and bowel sensation

Most cases of Cauda Equina Syndrome require emergency surgery to decompress the nerves and prevent permanent damage and loss of sensation to the bladder and bowel.

Why Early Diagnosis and Treatment Matters

If you are experiencing symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome, it is important to seek help straight away in order to receive treatment as soon as possible. It has been proven that if surgery takes place within 48 hours of symptoms, it can improve the outcome of surgical decompression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recovery time for Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Recovery varies but early surgery improves outcomes significantly. Some individuals regain full function; others may require long-term management of symptoms.

Why does Cauda Equina Syndrome cause incontinence?

The cauda equina nerves control muscle function in the bladder, bowel, and legs. When these nerves are compressed or damaged, as in CES, they may lose their ability to send or receive signals properly, resulting in conditions such as urinary retention, faecal incontinence, constipation, or complete loss of bladder and bowel sensation.

How is Cauda Equina Syndrome treated?

Most cases require emergency spinal surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves and prevent permanent damage. If cauda equina syndrome (CES) is suspected, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention, ideally within the crucial 48-hour treatment window.

Further Information

Further information and downloads can be found in the help & information section. Living with a bladder or bowel condition or caring for someone with a bladder and bowel condition can affect you emotionally and socially; sometimes it can help to speak to others who understand your situation.

There are many ways you can find help on this site, including our Closed Facebook Group, which is a moderated space for peer support and discussion.

THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE IS A GUIDE ONLY. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU SPEAK TO YOUR GP OR A QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY TREATMENTS.