What is cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome is the compression of the nerve roots community called the cauda equina. Nerves send and receive electrical signals throughout the body. In the lower part of the spinal cord is a collection of nerve roots in the form of a horsetail.

 Thanks to the cauda equina nerve, you can move your legs and bladder and feel the sensation. Compressed cauda equina nerves can cause pain, weakness, incontinence, and other symptoms. If this syndrome is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage, including paralysis. Prompt treatment can prevent permanent damage such as stroke.

 Is Cauda Equina Syndrome Life Threatening?

Cauda equina syndrome is not life-threatening. However, it can cause permanent damage to your body and affect your health and quality of life. Symptoms include pee and poop leaks and sexual problems. If the surgery is done right away, it can treat some of the symptoms.

 What are the different types of cauda equina syndrome?

There are two types and two categories of cauda equina syndrome. The syndrome is acute or chronic and is complete or incomplete.

 Types of cauda equina syndrome

•  Acute Cauda Equine Syndrome
•  Severe symptoms begin suddenly. You will likely need surgery within 24 to 48 hours.
•  Chronic Cauda Equine Syndrome
•  This name has meant Cauda Equina Syndrome for many years. It describes two scenarios:

 If you've had symptoms of cauda equina syndrome for a while before seeing a doctor, it's called chronic. If surgery does not repair the nerve and the nerve is permanently damaged, it can cause lifelong symptoms. Your doctor will refer to these symptoms as chronic. Emergency surgery can stop permanent damage. Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms.

 Classification of cauda equina syndrome

 Complete Cauda Equina Syndrome

 Complete Cauda Equinus Syndrome causes urinary and/or bowel retention or incontinence. Retention means you can't pee or defecate, and incontinence means you can't pee or defecate. It affects about 60% of people with cauda equina syndrome.

 Incomplete cauda equina syndrome

 This affects the other 40% of people with Cauda Equina Syndrome. Typical symptoms are decreased urge to urinate or increased urge to urinate in the bladder and intestines, without retention or incontinence. This means you don't feel the need to poop or pee or feel any more sensation than before.

 How rare is cauda equina syndrome?

Experts estimate that cauda equina syndrome affects 1 in 65,000 people. It affects women as well as men.