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!