Cauda Equina syndrome: Causes, symptoms, cure for back pain, weak leg muscles

If you have persistent back pain, have difficulty walking, and think your lower leg muscles are weak, get yourself checked by an expert to rule out Cauda Equina. A rare disorder, this syndrome affects the bundle of nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord.

Have you been experiencing severe back pain, difficulty in walking, or weakness in your lower leg muscles? These could be symptoms of the Cauda Equina syndrome.

Never heard of the term before?

“Cauda Equina syndrome is a rare disorder that affects the bundle of nerve roots (called cauda equina) at the lower (lumbar) end of the spinal cord. In this condition, the nerve roots in the lumbar spine become compressed, due to which sensation and movement are cut off. Nerve roots controlling bladder and bowel functions are particularly vulnerable,” explains Dr Ramananda Srikantiah Nadig, head of the Clinical Advisory Board, healthi, Bangalore.

What causes of this medical condition?

“Some probable causes of this condition include a herniated disk, tumor, infection, fracture or narrowing of the spinal canal. Cauda Equina syndrome is a surgical emergency. If not treated immediately, it can cause complications such as permanent paralysis, impaired bladder and/or bowel control, and loss of sexual sensation,” says Dr Ramananda.

Cauda Equina syndrome could cause bladder and/or bowel dysfunction due to which you are unable to hold or retain urine.

What to do if you have this condition

The Cauda Equina syndrome is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms appear only over time, and can even mimic other conditions. Ways to confirm this condition usually include MRI scans, CT scans and bladder control tests.

“Surgical decompression within the first 48 hours of diagnosis is the first step for treating Cauda Equina syndrome. In case of an infection, antibiotics are accorded intravenously. In case the compression is caused by a tumor, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be needed after surgical decompression. If symptoms persist even after decompression, a person may require pain medicine, physical therapy, supportive braces, urinary catheters and other treatments till there is optimal recovery of nerve and muscle,” says Padma Shri awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, national president of the Indian Medical Association and president of the Heart Care Foundation of India, New Delhi.

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