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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijem.2395.311X.4418.15

Abstract

Cauda equina syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by low back pain, unilateral or bilateral sciatica, motor weakness of lower extremities, saddle anesthesia, bowel and bladder dysfunction and occasionally paraplegia—resulting fromcauda equina compression. It can be described in two forms basedon the onset of signs and symptoms-if symptoms appear within 24 hours then it is acute in onset and if patient develops symptoms after several weeks or months then it is gradual in onset. The sooner it can be diagnosed, the better is the chance that the patient makes a better recovery from symptoms of nerve damage. We present a case of a 24-year old male with history of fall 6 months back who was treated outside with simple analgesics without any surgical intervention. The case was clinically diagnosed in the Emergency Department (ED) as CES and an MRI was ordered which confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was referred to the Neurosurgery Department and operated the next day with good clinical outcome. 

 

Keywords : Prolapsed Inter Vertebral Disc (PIVD); Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES); Microdiscectomy; Saddle Anesthesia; Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); Anal Wink; Anal Sphincter Tone; Bladder and Bowel Disturbances; Red Flag Signs.

Corresponding Author : Tanmay Kumar Jha, DNB Resident, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201012, India.