of the back. These soft tissues support the back and help hold it together.
Cauda equina syndrome can happen because of changes in the back that affect the nerves. For example, cauda equina syndrome can happen because of: ‚
- A herniated disc " “ The material from a ruptured disc can press on or irritate the nerves in the cauda equina.
- Infection or inflammation " “ Different types of infection or inflammation can damage or irritate nerves in the cauda equina.
- Cancer " “ In people with cancer, tumors can form within the spine and press on the nerves in the cauda equina.
- Spinal stenosis " “ Spinal stenosis 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 spinal stenosis, 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.
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " ” Yes, if you have symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, see a doctor or nurse right away. Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency. ‚
Will I need tests? " ” Yes. Your doctor or nurse will need to find out what is causing your symptoms. You will likely have an MRI. This is an imaging test that can create detailed pictures of the spinal cord and nearby tissues. ‚
How is cauda equina syndrome treated? " ” Treatment for cauda equina syndrome involves treating whatever is affecting the nerves and causing the symptoms. Often that means having surgery to remove bits of bone or discs, or tumors. If the cause of the cauda equina syndrome is a tumor, radiation to shrink the tumor might be an option. If the cause is an infection or inflammation, medicines to treat those problems might be needed. ‚
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. ‚
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. ‚
Topic 84039 Version 3.0 ‚
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 ‚
‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚
figure 1
Cauda equina syndrome
The cauda equina is a bundle of nerves that spread out from the bottom of the spinal cord (see label). Cauda equina syndrome happens when some of the nerves in the cauda equina get squeezed or damaged.
Graphic 83945 Version 1.0
View Originalfigure 1
Cauda equina syndrome
The cauda equina is a bundle of nerves that spread out from the bottom of the spinal cord (see label). Cauda equina syndrome happens when some of the nerves in the cauda equina get squeezed or damaged.
Graphic 83945 Version 1.0
View Original
figure 2
Anatomy of the back
Low back pain can be caused by problems with the muscles, ligaments, discs, bones (vertebrae), or nerves. Often back pain is caused by strains or sprains involving the muscles or ligaments. These problems cannot always be seen on imaging tests, such as MRIs or CAT scans.
Graphic 56246 Version 3.0
View Originalfigure 2
Anatomy of the back
Low back pain can be caused by problems with the muscles, ligaments, discs, bones (vertebrae), or nerves. Often back pain is caused by strains or sprains involving the muscles or ligaments. These problems cannot always be seen on imaging tests, such as MRIs or CAT scans.
Graphic 56246 Version 3.0
View Original
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‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚