Can Cauda Equina Syndrome affect both legs?

Yes. Cauda Equina Syndrome can affect both legs because pressure may involve several nerve roots in the lower spinal canal.

What imaging test often helps find the cause?

Magnetic resonance imaging often helps show disc material, narrowing, bleeding, infection, or another source of pressure around the nerve roots.

How is Cauda Equina Syndrome different from sciatica?

Sciatica usually follows one irritated nerve root and causes leg pain. Cauda Equina Syndrome can involve several nerve roots and may affect pelvic organ control.

Glossary

What Is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a serious condition caused by pressure on the bundle of nerves below the spinal cord. This pressure can affect bladder or bowel control, leg strength, sensation, and sexual function. The condition often develops from a large disc injury, spinal narrowing, bleeding, infection, or another space-occupying problem.

Quick Facts About Cauda Equina Syndrome

Key Takeaways About Cauda Equina Syndrome

The condition affects nerves below the end of the spinal cord.
New bladder or bowel changes can signal serious nerve involvement.
Cauda Equina Syndrome isn't the same as ordinary low back pain.

How Cauda Equina Syndrome Works

A medical flyer about cauda equina syndrome lies beside a notebook, laptop, glasses, and stethoscope on a desk

Cauda Equina Syndrome develops when pressure disrupts the nerve roots in the lower spinal canal. These nerves control parts of the legs, pelvic organs, and skin around the groin. The pressure may follow a large disc injury, bleeding, infection, or severe spinal narrowing.

Related glossary terms: Lumbar Radiculopathy, Spinal Stenosis, Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Doctors look at changes in strength, sensation, reflexes, and bladder or bowel function. A neurological exam helps show which nerve areas may be affected. Magnetic Resonance Imaging can show the source and location of pressure. The findings help separate this condition from lumbar radiculopathy, which often affects one nerve root and causes pain or numbness along one leg. Cauda Equina Syndrome can affect several nerve roots and may change organ control.

Hands hold a spine model while a red pen points at the lower back in a desk setting

From the Premier Injury Specialists team

When we evaluate a spine injury, we ask about changes in leg strength, sensation, bladder control, and bowel control. We review the examination findings and available imaging for signs of lower spinal nerve compression. Our team documents these findings clearly for the Spine Injury Evaluation.

Cauda Equina Syndrome in Practice: A Real-World Example

A person with a back injury develops worsening leg weakness and new trouble controlling urination. During a Spine Injury Evaluation, those symptoms raise concern for Cauda Equina Syndrome and call for prompt medical review.

Related Services

Spine Injury Evaluation

Learn More

Have Questions About Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Contact Premier Injury Specialists for practical guidance on Cauda Equina Syndrome and related pain management physician work in McDonough.

Contact Premier Injury Specialists