Neuro – Cauda Equina

Episode 20: Cauda Equina Syndrome Host Jimmy McKay Featured guest Bridget Ripa Notes Alexis Lancaster Cauda equina: “horse’s tail”   What is it? Injury to lumbar and sacral spinal nerve roots within the canal   Presentation Variable lower extremity paralysis Sensory loss Bowel and bladder dysfunction   Causes Trauma, pelvic crush (MVA), child birth could precede it   Differential diagnosis Other spinal cord syndromes Transverse myelitis MS Spinal infarct Spinal tumor   Special tests CT, MRI Clinical presentation & mechanism of injury   Treatment Make sure they are managed medically first Bowel/bladder program Motor learning Task-specific training ICF model Weight-bearing Neuromuscular re-education Tone management FES Aerobic training Positioning Bracing/splinting Locomotion if applicable Keeping an eye on shoulder pain Allow compensation in this population when they need to How will it look on the test? Mechanism of injury and clinical presentation Bowel and bladder dysfunction will be present with cauda equina!