Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is severe compression of the nerve roots at the bottom of the spinal canal, usually from a large disc herniation, tumour, infection, or trauma.
When to get help quickly: It is a surgical emergency. Any new saddle numbness, new urinary retention or incontinence, or rapidly worsening leg weakness needs immediate hospital review.
Common symptoms
Warning signs include severe low back pain, weakness in both legs, numbness in the saddle area (inner thighs, perineum, around the anus), loss of bladder or bowel control, and sexual dysfunction.
When imaging helps
Urgent MRI is the test that confirms or excludes the diagnosis and shows what is compressing the nerve roots.
What radiology does
MRI of the lumbar spine is the priority; CT is used if MRI is not available or not safe.
What usually happens next
Most cases need urgent surgical decompression to give the best chance of recovery; the longer compression continues, the more lasting the damage may be.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.