Cauda Equina Syndrome & Incontinence

doctor with model spine

Key Takeaways:

  • Cauda equina syndrome is caused by compression of the nerve roots at the base of the spinal cord, leading to severe symptoms like lower back pain and urinary and fecal incontinence.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent nerve damage and potentially reverse symptoms, including bladder and bowel dysfunction.
  • Incontinence supplies, such as adult bladder control pads and briefs, can help manage symptoms, providing absorbency and odor control for daily comfort and confidence.

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious condition characterized by the compression of the cauda equina, a bundle of nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord.

This compression can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms, including severe lower back pain, leg weakness, and the loss of bladder or bowel control, also known as incontinence.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent nerve damage and restore bladder and bowel function. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for CES can help individuals recognize the condition early and seek appropriate medical care.

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious condition characterized by the compression of the cauda equina, a bundle of nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord.

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This compression can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms, including severe lower back pain, leg weakness, and the loss of bladder or bowel control, also known as incontinence.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent nerve damage and restore bladder and bowel function. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for CES can help individuals recognize the condition early and seek appropriate medical care.

Jump To:

What Is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Symptoms & Causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Does Cauda Equina Syndrome Cause Incontinence?

Treatment Options for Cauda Equina Syndrome & Incontinence

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What Is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a condition that causes squeezing or compression in the cauda equina sac of nerves at the nerve roots or base of the spinal cord, resulting in lower back pain and urinary incontinence. CES is sometimes referred to as “saddle anesthesia.” There are 2 types of CES:

  1. Incomplete CES-I: Can lead to a loss of continence (bladder or bowel control).
  2. Complete CES-R: Can lead to loss of continence or retention.

Symptoms & Causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Symptoms of CES

  • Lower back pain.
  • Numbness in the glutes, lower limbs, or lower extremities, also known as sciatica.
  • Leg weakness.
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control, known as incontinence.
doctor with patient back paindoctor with patient back pain

Causes of CES

  • Lower back injuries.
  • Spinal hemorrhages.
  • Spinal tumors or lesions.
  • Epidural abscess.
  • Herniation of lumbar discs.
  • Spinal cord infection or epidural abscess.
  • Epidural hematoma or bleeding.
  • Metastatic cancer.
  • Staph infection.
  • Tuberculosis.
  • Lower back injuries.
  • Spinal hemorrhages.
  • Spinal tumors or lesions.
  • Epidural abscess.
  • Herniation of lumbar discs.
  • Spinal cord infection or epidural abscess.
  • Epidural hematoma or bleeding.
  • Metastatic cancer.
  • Staph infection.
  • Tuberculosis.

Does Cauda Equina Syndrome Cause Incontinence?

Yes, CES can cause bladder and bowel incontinence. As the nerves are pinched, they cannot properly function and may result in bowel and / or bladder dysfunction.

Treatment Options for Cauda Equina Syndrome & Incontinence

In some cases, CES can be treated by surgically decompressing the spine, depending on the nerve tissue damage. If you seek treatment before permanent nerve damage is done, you may be able to reverse your incontinence symptoms.

If you’ve been diagnosed with CES, you may also find incontinence supplies helpful in managing your bladder or bowel leakage. Protective products, such as adult bladder control pads, pull-ons, and briefs, are super absorbent and equipped with odor control, so you can wear them and not worry about leakage during the day or night.

You may be able to receive incontinence supplies through insurance with Aeroflow Urology. Fill out our Eligibility Form to quickly check your coverage today.

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Aleece Fosnight

Aleece Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, CSC-S, CSE, NCMP, IF, HAES is a Medical Advisor and Writer for Aeroflow Urology and a board-certified physician assistant specializing in sexual medicine, women’s health, and urology. In 2019, she opened up her own private practice, the Fosnight Center for Sexual Health, and implemented the sexual health grand rounds curriculum at her local hospital and residency program.

Aleece is also the founder of the Fosnight Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and training of professionals in the sexual health field and providing funding for access to healthcare services in her local community.


About the Author

Marlee Septak is the Senior Content Specialist at Aeroflow Urology and was a past Content Writer for Aeroflow Diabetes. She brings a deep understanding of incontinence and health conditions associated with it to her writing. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago and holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Marlee has contributed to various magazines and blogs, including Borgen Magazine, Echo Magazine, Chicago Ideas Week, Assuaged, and Peaceful Dumpling. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and just sitting down with a good book.


References

Cleveland Clinic. (2021, November 22). Cauda Equina Syndrome: Symptoms, Treatment & Causes. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22132-cauda-equina-syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome Symptoms, Recovery, Treatment, Causes. (n.d.). MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/cauda_equina_syndrome/article.htm

Disclaimer

Information provided on the Aeroflow Urology blog is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to incontinence.

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