Cauda Equina vs spinal cord compression: diagnosis, treatment and recovery

Spinal cord compression and Cauda Equina Syndrome have similar symptoms, including back pain and weakness or paralysis of the lower limbs. This means the relatively rare Cauda Equina Syndrome is often misdiagnosed as spinal cord compression, resulting in the right treatment often not being given in time.

This tendency towards misdiagnosis can lead to serious on-going complications for Cauda Equina Syndrome patients. If you believe you may be suffering from this condition, or have been affected by Cauda Equina Syndrome misdiagnosis, understanding how the condition is diagnosed and treated can be vital.

Diagnosing Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome is caused by the compression of the Cauda Equina nerve bundle near the base of the spine. This can be the result of various issues, including traumatic injury, inflammation of the surrounding tissue and tumours.

There are various key warning signs to look out for that can indicate Cauda Equina Syndrome:

• Severe back pain
• Numbness or “pins-and-needles” in the groin and inner thighs
• Bladder of bowel incontinence
• Sexual dysfunction

If you experience any of these symptoms, it can be an indication that you are suffering from Cauda Equina syndrome, rather than spinal cord compression or another condition.

Other symptoms you may experience with Cauda Equina Syndrome include:

• Pain on one or both sides of your body
• Weakness of the lower legs
• No Achilles reflex on both legs
• Changes to the way you walk
• Lack of anal reflex

Treating Cauda Equina Syndrome

Treating Cauda Equina Syndrome often requires surgery to remove the source of compression from the Cauda Equina nerve bundle. In many cases, this surgery will need to be performed as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of on-going complications.

Many people will also need physical therapy to help them control their bladder and bowels more effectively, as well as to decrease muscle weakness in their legs and improve their balance and gait.

It is important to bear in mind that full recovery from the effects of Cauda Equina Syndrome can take years and some degree of loss of function may be permanent.

Recovery from Cauda Equina Syndrome

The extent to which you will recover from Cauda Equina Syndrome will normally depend on the severity of the injury, how quickly it is diagnosed and the quality of your treatment. In many cases, some loss of bladder and bowel control may be permanent, as can be some lower limb weakness.

The length of time over which the Cauda Equina nerve bundle is compressed is generally the most important factor in determining the severity of the long-term consequences. This is why misdiagnosis and late diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome is such a serious problem.

If you have been left with serious complications as a result of late diagnosis or misdiagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome, you may be able to make a Cauda Equina compensation claim. This can help cover the cost of treatment, as well as helping to support you if you need to take time off work or pay for adaptions to your life to help you cope with the on-going effects of your condition.