Cauda Equina Syndrome
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Basics
Description
Compression of lumbar and sacral nerve fibers in cauda equina region:- Nerve fibers below conus medullaris
- Fibers end at L1–L2 interspace
Risk Factors
- Neoplasm
- IV drug use
- Immunocompromised state
- Trauma
Etiology
- Herniated disc most common:
- L4–L5 discs > L5–S1 > L3–L4
- Most common in fourth and fifth decades of life
- Mass effect from:
- Myeloma, lymphoma, sarcoma, meningioma, neurofibroma, hematoma
- Spine metastases (breast, lung, prostate, thyroid, renal)
- Epidural abscess (especially in IV drug users)
- Blunt trauma
- Penetrating trauma
- Spinal anesthesia
- Other rare causes:
- Congenital anomalies, multiple sclerosis, spinal AVMs, neurosarcoidosis, IVC thrombosis
-- To view the remaining sections of this topic, please log in or purchase a subscription --
Basics
Description
Compression of lumbar and sacral nerve fibers in cauda equina region:- Nerve fibers below conus medullaris
- Fibers end at L1–L2 interspace
Risk Factors
- Neoplasm
- IV drug use
- Immunocompromised state
- Trauma
Etiology
- Herniated disc most common:
- L4–L5 discs > L5–S1 > L3–L4
- Most common in fourth and fifth decades of life
- Mass effect from:
- Myeloma, lymphoma, sarcoma, meningioma, neurofibroma, hematoma
- Spine metastases (breast, lung, prostate, thyroid, renal)
- Epidural abscess (especially in IV drug users)
- Blunt trauma
- Penetrating trauma
- Spinal anesthesia
- Other rare causes:
- Congenital anomalies, multiple sclerosis, spinal AVMs, neurosarcoidosis, IVC thrombosis
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