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Series:   Elements in Emergency Neurosurgery

Patient with Suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 April 2025

Gabriel Metcalf-Cuenca  and
Patrick F. X. Statham
Gabriel Metcalf-Cuenca
Affiliation:
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Patrick F. X. Statham
Affiliation:
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Summary

Cauda equina syndrome is the clinical syndrome seen when there is acute compression of the cauda equina nerve roots and is a rare neurosurgical emergency. The approximate incidence in patients presenting with low back pain is 0.27% but delays in investigation and treatment can result in life-changing permanent disability. The best practice for patients presenting with potential cauda equina syndrome is urgent MRI imaging at the presenting hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis. Patients with a positive finding of cauda equina compression should proceed to decompressive surgery to restore the diameter of the spinal canal urgently to reduce the risk of developing a permanent deficit.
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Keywords

CEScauda equina syndromeemergency MRIemergency decompressionCES guidance
Type
Element
Information
Series: Elements in Emergency Neurosurgery
Online ISBN: 9781009388696
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication: 22 May 2025

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References

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Patient with Suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome
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Patient with Suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome
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