Post by Lαrα on May 19, 2015 10:23:55 GMT -8
I think it is important that we have information for individuals looking for information on the 'danger signs' of potentially developing Cauda Equina Syndrome.
CES sometimes comes on gradually and sometimes with little warning, depending on the cause.
So what should people be looking out for and how can they reduce the risks?
For a start, CES is described as rare, the statistics are that for every 1,000 000 of people only 6-10 people will actually develop Cauda Equina Syndrome and the most commonly known cause is disc herniation. Unfortunately CES is often mis-diagnosed which is not good in any way because in most cases the effects of CES worsen and have more chance of permanent symptoms.
According to the British Association of Spine Surgeons:
''If you have significant back pain or sciatica, and numbness around the bottom area or back passage you are at risk of developing cauda equine syndrome''
Did you know that medically there is a significant difference between signs and symptoms?
Symptoms are what the actual individual feels, for example, they know the numbness is there because they feel it, they know they are in pain because they feel it and so on.
Signs are indicators of the problem or in this case Cauda Equina Syndrome, so a sign of Cauda Equina would be no rectal tone ( examination assessment for CES) or the actual imagery from a scan showing the compression on the spinal Cord.
Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome:
-Perineal numbness Unilateral or bilateral ( Both sides of the body or both)
-Disturbance of bladder function
-Sphincter dysfunction Bowel or bladder
-Back pain Severe
-Sciatica Unilateral or bilateral ( pain radiates down one leg or both legs)
Signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome:
-Perineal numbness Unilateral or bilateral
-Retention of urine
-Incomplete emptying of bladder (post micturition residual or bladder ultrasound greater than 50ml)
-Loss of sensation of passing urine
-Motor loss or reflex loss
-Loss of voluntary anal sphincter contraction
Click on this forum link for more understanding on the symptoms and signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome Signs and Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome
***Important Information: Perineal numbness and any other symptom or sign requires specialist referral***
If you happen to be suffering from any of the above symptoms and/or signs, get checked out. If symptoms worsen and you dont feel you are being listened to, go to hospital.
If I had read this when I was mis diagnosed, i wouldnt be sat here typing this out to warn others!
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