As a bonus to Episode 26 on Low Back Pain Emergencies with Dr. Brian Steinhart & Dr. Walter Himmel, we have Dr. Walter Himmel’s own personal incredible case of Cauda Equina Syndrome.
In the related Episode we will cover the most serious spinal and vascular causes that present with low back pain including Cauda Equina Syndrome, Spinal Epidural Abscess, Spinal Epidural Hematoma, Metastases to the spine, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Retroperitoneal Hematoma.
Update 2021: Retrospective tertiary center review (U.K.) showed that bilateral lower extremity pain, dermatomal distribution sensory loss, and loss of bilateral ankle/knee reflexes showed correlation with radiographic diagnosis of cauda equina compression (CEC); while digital rectal examination (DRE) did not demonstrate any benefit. However, individual symptoms showed poor performance in ruling in (or out) CEC. Abstract
Ive had Cauda equina syndrome twice in my life… i know that lots of people are worse off than me… ive been left with the cronic cauda equina pain and i cant walk properly… my bladder and bowels do play up a lot but im lucky in that sence…. please make people be aware of the RED flags with lower back pain and could it could save them a life time of medication and chronic pain… not to metion loss of bowel and bladder function and legs not working properly so u end up in wheel chair for rest of your life.. im lucky as its only my left leg xxx
Thanks so much for sharing your experience.