Episode 151.0 – Cauda Equina Syndrome

This week we discuss the difficult to diagnose and high morbidity cauda equina syndrome. https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Podcast_Episode_151_0_Final_Cut.m4a Download Leave a Comment Tags: Back Pain, Cauda Equina Show Notes Take Home Points Cauda equina syndrome is a rare emergency with devastating consequences Early recognition is paramount as the presence of bladder dysfunction portends bad functional outcomes The presence of bilateral lower extremity weakness or sensory changes should alert clinicians to the diagnosis. Saddle anesthesia (or change in sensation) and any bladder/bowel changes in function should also raise suspicion for the disorder MRI is the diagnostic modality of choice though CT myelogram can be performed if necessary Prompt surgical consultation is mandatory for all patients with cauda equina syndrome regardless of symptoms at presentation Read More EM Cases: Best Case Ever 11: Cauda Equina Syndrome OrthoBullets: Cauda Equina Syndrome Radiopaedia: Cauda Equina Syndrome Perron AD, Huff JS: Spinal Cord Disorders, in Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al (eds): Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, ed 8. St. Louis, Mosby, Inc., 2010, (Ch) 106: p 1419-30. References Lavy C et al. Cauda Equina Syndrome. BMJ 2009; 338: PMID: 19336488 Todd NV. Cauda equina syndrome: the timing of surgery probably does influence outcome. Br J Neurosurg 2005;19:301-6 PMID: 16455534 Read More