Cauda Equina Syndrome

Abstract

Cauda equina syndrome is a relatively rare clinical syndrome caused by compression of cauda equina and can result in significant morbidity if not treated. In this chapter, we describe briefly the anatomical background of the lumbar spine and the nerve supply of the urinary bladder, as the urinary symptoms play a crucial role in diagnosis of this syndrome. Then, we move on to discuss the etiology, symptoms, and signs of cauda equina syndrome. We also describe the different modalities to make the diagnosis including the CT scan, MRI, nerve conduction studies, and electromyogram. Finally, the management of this syndrome including the surgical procedures, complications, and prognosis. We enclosed five real-life cases of different causes of CES from our practice briefly describing the clinical background of the patients as well as CT and/ or MRI images of each case.