Immediate diagnosis and treatment is required for Cauda Equina Syndrome.The better the chances are that you will recover fully, the quicker the treatment is received.If you notice any of the signs and symptoms, you should go to the emergency room immediately.Your doctor can perform a series of diagnostic tests and evaluations that can confirm the diagnosis, as well as find the underlying cause, so that it can be treated as soon as possible.
Step 1: It's a good idea to watch for leg pain or trouble walking.
Because Cauda Equina Syndrome affects the nerves at the bottom of your spine, it can cause pain in one or both legs, as well as difficulty moving your legs or walking with the same.
Step 2: If you are having problems with bladder or bowel function, see your doctor immediately.
You can't pass urine.If you can't urinate, go to the emergency room.You can't control your urine.It is possible that this is a sign of CES.A sudden inability to control your bowels, such as inadvertently passing stool or leaking stool from your rectum, is a possible sign.Prompt medical attention and evaluation is what all of these warrants.
Step 3: You should notice if you are having sex with someone.
If you are experiencing a sudden and unusual decrease in your sexual sensation, and/or your ability for erection and orgasm, this may be a sign of something more serious.If you need medical help, seek it immediately.
Step 4: There is numbness in the saddle area.
If you notice numbness in the saddle area, it is a red flag and you need to see a doctor.It is not normal to be numb in the genital area.
Step 5: Lower back pain is something to pay attention to.
You can feel a lot of pain in your back.This is a symptom of a red flag and can vary in intensity.
Step 6: You should be aware of the loss of reflexes.
It is possible that your ankle and knee reflexes are diminishing.The bulbospongiosus muscle is located between the anus and the genitals.
Step 7: Do you have any recent "triggering" incidents?
There are incidents that cause trauma or other problems in the spine.There are a number of things to be aware of that increase your risk of CES.
Step 8: If you notice a red flag, go to the emergency room.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described in the article, it is important that you get help.It can cost you your long-term function and health if you spend too much time waiting or hesitating.
Step 9: Your doctor can perform a neurological exam.
Your doctor will test your reflexes, ability to move your lower limbs, strength, and sensation when he or she applies resistance to your leg muscles.It may be an indication of Cauda Equina Syndrome if these are abnormal.You may be asked to walk on your heels and toes by your doctor.He or she will look for pain when you bend forward, backward and to each side.Your doctor will check your reflexes and anal sensation to see if they are normal.
Step 10: It is a good idea to get a x-ray or an magnetic resonance image.
It is important that you get an exam as soon as possible if you have symptoms that suggest you may have CES.The doctor will be able to see the nerve roots and see what is causing them to be compressed with the help of the image test.A primary spine tumor or cancer is one of the possible sources of compression on the spine.
Step 11: Receive a blood test.
You may also receive a myelogram, which is a type of X-ray.An x-ray type image is taken when contrast material is inserted into the brain.The contrast makes it easy to see if there are any problems in your spine.It is possible that tumors, bone spurs, and herniated discs are responsible for the cause of CES.
Step 12: Receive tests for the lower limbs.
As soon as possible, neurological tests should be done.The NCV test will measure the speed of electrical impulse as it moves through the nerve.The test can determine how much nerve damage there is.The electric impulse is recorded by another patch after the nerve is stimulated.This test is often done at the same time as an NCV and it measures the electrical activity in your muscles.
Step 13: Receive surgery.
If you have been diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome, it is important to see a neurosurgeon immediately.If possible, the surgery should be performed within 48 hours of the start of symptoms.The surgery will remove whatever is causing the compression of your spine.The goal is that by treating the underlying cause, the tension will be removed from your nerve roots, and you should be able to regain function.
Step 14: Prepare for possible long-term consequences.
Depending on how quickly you received surgical treatment and the degree of neurological compromise that occurred in your spine, you may end up with residual long-term symptoms or disabilities.Some people require long-term pain medications to ease ongoing nerve-related pain.Even after surgery, some people still struggle with bladder and/or bowel control.The good news is that bladder and bowel function often improves in the years following surgery; it just may take longer to regain function than other affected areas.If you are struggling to regain sexual function, you should see a sex therapist.Motor problems are related to your lower limbs.
Step 15: It is important to seek treatment quickly.
If you don't receive medical attention immediately when you experience the signs and symptoms of potential CES, it may result in permanent paralysis of your lower limbs, permanent loss of sexual function and sensation, and/or chronically impaired bladder or bowel function.These are things you don't want to do.If you are unsure about your signs and symptoms, you can go to your local emergency room for an evaluation.