CES Symptoms

• International Consensus Clinical Framework - symptoms of Cauda equina:

  • Sensory change (lower limbs)
  • Motor weakness (lower limbs)
  • Saddle sensory disturbance
  • Saddle anaesthesia
  • Change in ability to achieve an erection or ejaculate
  • Loss of sensation in genitals during sexual intercourse
  • Urinary function (e.g. frequency)
  • Urinary retention
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Bowel incontinence
  • Patient reports constipation
  • Unilateral/bilateral leg pain
  • Patient reports low back pain
• International Consensus Clinical Framework - clinical signs of Cauda equina:

  • Reduced anal tone
  • Sensory deficit in saddle to light touch
  • Sensory deficit in saddle to pinprick
  • Abnormal lower limb neurology
• Cauda Equina Syndrome Warning Signs:

  • Paraesthesia or anaesthesia between inner thighs or genitals
  • Numbness in/around your buttocks
  • Altered feeling when using toilet paper to wipe yourself
  • Increase difficulty when urinating
  • Increase difficulty to stop or control flow of urine
  • Loss of sensation when you pass urine
  • Leaking urine or need to use pads
  • Not knowing when bladder is full or empty
  • Inability to stop a bowel movement or leaking
  • Loss of sensation when you pass a bowel motion
  • Change in ability to achieve erection/ejaculate
  • Loss of sensation in genitals during intercourse