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Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a condition that occurs when the bundle of nerves below the end of the spinal cord known as the cauda equina is damaged. [2] Signs and symptoms include low back pain , pain that radiates down the leg , numbness around the anus, and loss of bowel or bladder control. [ 1 ]
This can cause the inability to void urine even if the bladder is full and cause a large bladder capacity. The internal urinary sphincter can contract normally, however urinary incontinence is common. This type of neurogenic bladder is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves that travel from the spinal cord to the bladder. [5]
However, the symptoms vary depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Lighter symptoms include pain or heaviness in the legs, hips, glutes and lower back, post-exercise. [ 6 ] [ 8 ] Mild to severe symptoms include prolonged constant pain, tiredness and discomfort in the lower half of the body.
The causes of pelvic floor dysfunction aren’t well understood. Experts know that weakened muscles and connective tissue in the pelvis can contribute to it, as can injuries to the pelvis.
[25] Around one third of men will develop urinary tract (outflow) symptoms, of which the principal underlying cause is benign prostatic hyperplasia. [26] Once symptoms arise, their progress is variable and unpredictable with about one third of patients improving, one third remaining stable and one third deteriorating. [citation needed]
The nerves that compose the cauda equina innervate the pelvic organs and lower limbs to include motor innervation of the hips, knees, ankles, feet, internal anal sphincter and external anal sphincter. In addition, the cauda equina extends to sensory innervation of the perineum and, partially, parasympathetic innervation of the bladder. [1]
It typically causes back pain and bowel and bladder dysfunction, spastic or flaccid weakness depending on the level of the lesion, and bilateral sensory loss. Comparatively, cauda equina syndrome may cause radicular pain, bowel/bladder dysfunction, patchy sensory loss or saddle anesthesia and lower extremity weakness at the level of the lumbar ...
[25] Apart from myelin-directed antibodies, other serum components that can cause demyelination as well as conduction block include complement, cytokines, and other inflammatory mediators. Individuals with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy have a low frequency of specific antibodies, which suggests that different antibodies and ...