Cauda equina syndrome affects the final part of the spinal cord and can seriously affect the nervous structure and cause serious alterations in our body. Next, we will tell you what this disease is about, what its causes are, its symptoms and what is the best way to treat it.
What is cauda equina syndrome?
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) refers to compression of the nerves in the cauda equina., that is, from the final part of the spinal cord. Although it is not specifically a spinal disease, cauda equina syndrome occurs when the nerve roots in this area are injured, which are what give sensitivity to the legs and middle area.
This disease can lead to the appearance of neurological alterations and abnormalities in the lower regions of the body, since it attacks the nerves that are responsible for moving the legs and perceiving the sensory stimuli of these areas, such as the voluntary control of the anal and urinary sphincters and erections.
Herniated intervertebral discs in the lumbar area are usually the main triggers of cauda equina syndrome, but there are also other factors such as stenosis, an infection or a tumor, which can cause this disease.
It is worth mentioning that cauda equina syndrome requires immediate medical attention, so when symptoms present, you should see a specialist in order to relieve pressure on the nerves and prevent the patient from losing the motor functions of the waist to below.
Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
The damaged area in this condition fulfills multiple sensory and motor functions, so when it is affected, different failures occur in the body. Between the main symptoms of cauda equina syndrome we can stand out:
- Lumbar lower spine pain: The lower part of the spinal cord is located at the level of the first lumbar vertebra, the region where this syndrome is generated acutely and progresses in a few hours.
- Saddle paresthesia: Named after numbness or tingling in the crotch, which brings significant difficulties in walking, urinating and/or defecating.
- Sensitivity disorders: alterations in the inner part of the thighs and in the area of the rectum and genitals. It also generates an anesthetic sensation in the perineum (area between the genital region and the anus).
- Areflexia: Due to the nerve injury, reflexes in the extremities are lost and no response is produced when the deep tendon reflexes are tested.
- Sexual dysfunction: Difficulty having erections or any other response of this nature, which prevents having satisfactory sexual relations.
Causes of cauda equina syndrome
The main causes of tail syndrome horse that cause compression of the lower spinal cord and prevent the nerves in this area from performing their functions normally, are the following:
- Rupture of a spinal disc: generated by pressure generated on the spinal cord
- spinal cord injury: Strong impacts such as those that occur in traffic accidents can cause injuries such as vertebral fractures, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, which give rise to cauda equina syndrome.
- herniated disc: It occurs when a spinal disc is forced to pass through a weakened part, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves.
- Canal stenosis: narrowing of the space through which the spinal cord and nerve roots pass, generating pressure on them and affecting their functions.
Factors increase the likelihood of developing CES
Other possible causal factors of this syndrome are the appearance of infections and tumors in the spinal canal, degenerative disc disease, spina bifida, a surgical intervention that affects nerve fibers or complications derived from epidural anesthesia.
The degenerative disc disease refers to the normal changes that occur in the spinal discs as a person ages. This condition occurs when one or more intervertebral discs deteriorate, causing back pain.
For its part, the spina bifida is a birth defect in which a baby's spinal cord fails to develop or close correctly during pregnancy, which can cause paralysis and loss of sensation in the lower extremities, as well as various complications in intestinal, urinary and neurological functions. .
In turn, the tumors in the spine They also increase the likelihood of developing CES. These can seriously affect nervous structures, generating a decrease in mobility and/or alterations in sensitivity.
Treatment for cauda equina syndrome
If you present symptoms related to cauda equina syndrome, you should go to a spine specialist to analyze the patient's clinical condition and indicate the steps to follow.
Probably, if the doctor can detect a possible pathology, he will send the patient for studies such as an MRI, a CT scan or a myelogram, in order to obtain better quality images.
The surgical evaluation of patients with cauda equina syndrome is concrete and immediate. The diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome implies a need for urgent surgical intervention in order to avoid further functional complications..
Cauda equina syndrome surgery aims to decompress the cauda equina. There can be two methods used: laminectomy, in which a vertebral lamina is removed; or a discectomy, in which the part of the disc that generates pressure is removed.
With the great advances in technology, it is currently possible that after the intervention the patient begins to experience improvements within 48 hours. In turn, by taking appropriate rehabilitation measures, the affected person will be able to progressively recover their motor activity and return to their usual tasks.
Without a doubt, Cauda de Caballo Syndrome is a severe pathology that must be treated urgently with surgery. If you have symptoms, make an appointment immediately with a team of professionals. At ICAC, the spine endoscopy expert center, you have the guarantee of years of experience and the trust of the patients who have been operated on by our team.
67 thoughts on “Síndrome de la cola de caballo: qué es, síntomas, causas y tratamiento”
Hello, good afternoon, I would like you to help me. I have inflammation in the equine fall and
Hello Oscar, how are you? The comment was not completed.
A hug.
Hello, I would like to know more about these topics. I am suffering from all these cauda equina systems.
Hello, I am a patient with severe cauda equina syndrome. I would need to contact you as soon as possible since the medication is not working for me. Thank you very much. I would like to respond shortly. Greetings.
Hello Maria,
How are you? Of course, contact us at the phone number that appears on the website or by email, whatever suits you best and we will make an appointment as soon as possible, okay?
A hug!
Hello, I have a shift of the L5 on the S1 that has caused the disc to disappear. I have a surgery scheduled. Just recently I began to feel numbness in different parts of one leg, the sole of the foot and under the buttock.
But the MRI they performed on me says that the cauda de Caballo nerve ending is within normal parameters. What exercises can I do to relieve this sensitivity and tingling.
Hello Gabriela,
Without seeing the MRI images it is very difficult to make a clear assessment. Furthermore, the clinical examination and the situation of the reflexes give us a lot of information about the state of the nerves. There are many exercise tables that allow you to strengthen the lower lumbar spine and that physiotherapists specialized in the spine master very well.
All the best.
Does the mere sensation of numbness between the buttocks plus lower back pain indicate that it is cauda equina syndrome or could it be some other condition that causes such a sensation?
Hello Jorge,
It may indicate another pathology. These symptoms in isolation do not necessarily mean that you have ponytail.
Greetings
Hello, I'm Jesús Manuel. I was shot years ago in the back and my leg was left with a ponytail. I wanted to know if there is any rehabilitation that can help me.
Hello Jesus,
To help you we need some more information about your case.
You can make an appointment with our team by calling 91 005 39 00 and we will evaluate your case personally.
Greetings
Hello, good afternoon, I had surgery in 2020 on L5 S1 for cauda equina syndrome, is there any treatment to relieve pain in the pelvic area?
Good morning Diego, first of all thank you for your question.
We would have to see why he has these pains, if there is any fibrosis or any residual damage. It would be necessary to request specific tests.
Hello good morning,
I am 30 years old and for approximately 2 years I have had decreased sensitivity in the perineal and genital area. I have had several MRIs done to rule out multiple sclerosis and tumors. The various MRIs have come out normally. Likewise, they indicate that the nerves of the cauda equina are within normal parameters. However, the loss of sensitivity is getting worse and I even feel less of the urge to urinate and go to the bathroom (although I go normally). I work many hours sitting in front of the computer.
I have been to many doctors and I am quite tired and desperate since none of them have given me an answer to what is happening to me. Is it possible that a hernia or protrusion in the horse's tail could not be seen? Thank you!
Hello Daniel,
I highly doubt that is the case. All neuropathies that could cause these symptoms must be ruled out. Other areas such as the pelvis as well as the retroperitoneum area must be checked. Make markers for autoimmune pathologies, etc. I recommend multidisciplinary management.
Greetings
Hello, I am Argentina and after 4 spinal surgeries I have severe symptoms of cauda equina. Is there a place in my country where you can help me? I do not have the financial means to travel abroad. Greetings
Hello Andrea,
We do not know specialists in this field in Argentina.
We hope you find what you are looking for.
Greetings
Dear Andrea, I hope you have been able to solve your illness.
From Buenos Aires:
I had emergency surgery for this syndrome in May 2023.
I saw Dr. Roberto Fernandez, in Axial (Barrio Cañitas, in CABA)
Also at FLENI, in the area of spinal neurosurgery
Both places are excellent and they will help you
Greetings
I am from Uruguay, I have had 3 lumbar surgeries, 6 screws, I was also diagnosed with neuropathy after the 3rd surgery. Now the last MRI shows cauda equina syndrome, since I started with incontinence and a lot of pain, little sensitivity in the lower limbs, the spinal traumatologist transferred me to a nerologist and this one to a urogynecologist and this one to a neurosurgeon since no one wants to operate on me again. I've been having treatments for years, but the medication doesn't do much because there are days when I can't move. Could you give me some idea of what would be a way out to be able to cope with the pain. For now I have been seen by 2 neurosurgeons but they are continuing to evaluate my case and I am undergoing neurology and psychiatry treatments and also physitra which cannot do much since I am very limited in all exercises. Since my last operation in 2018 I have only gotten worse. With each resonance, more damage appears. Narrow canal impingement, fibrosis and now horsetail. Could you give me your opinion? Thank you
Hello Ana Maria,
It is difficult to make an assessment of what seems to be a complex case. We would need to carry out an evaluation of both medical tests and a thorough examination.
Greetings
How can I get them to see my wife who has cauda cauda syndrome diagnosed at CEMIC and it is chronic, they told her. She has been suffering for 4 years and they only give her corticosteroids which has caused her to gain 30k...I am requesting help since I can't. I know where to go. She has pami. Thanks, Miguel.
Hello, I started with loss of sensation in my penis and after 2 weeks my lower back hurts. I have had two inguinal hernia operations. I will be a doctor.
Hello Jose,
You should review your case and evaluate where these problems come from.
We are waiting to make a consultation.
Greetings
I have an equine fall due to a displaced disc, I would like to know if there is a doctor who can operate on me, thank you
Hello Gabriela,
We are specialists in spine surgery with wide recognition. Of course we can review your case and see if it is feasible to perform surgery.
You can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00
Greetings
Hello, I'm Carlos, 1 year 4 months ago, I had a cauda equina, there were 3 surgeries in one year, the second was because in the first the doctor left a fragment of disc that was still pressing L5 S1, they gave me instruments to remove it, they gave me 7 screws, my consequences are, discomfort in the lower part of the left buttock, paresthesia in the buttock and left part of the genital part, I am undergoing physiotherapy, they tell me that due to compression, I lost muscle tone and that's the discomfort of the buttock, I do not have urinary or fecal incontinence, but I do have a lot of constipation, I have strength in both legs and normal mobility, I would like you to guide me, if I am on the right track, thank you very much
Good afternoon.
About a month ago I suffered a SITTING fall against the floor.
I hit my tailbone. Then my leg hurt a lot. Now the pain is in my groin and I got a lump on my spine.
As an oncology patient, I underwent surgery for breast cancer 3 years ago, I am very worried. I appreciate some advice.thank you
Hello Ana,
In principle there is nothing to worry about. When something goes out of the ordinary, it is best to go to a consultation and clear up any doubts.
With this comment it is difficult to give you an exact answer. It would be necessary to review it and do some testing if necessary.
Greetings
Good afternoon, I was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome. Yes or if it is surgical? How long can I return to work after surgery? Thank you so much. Dante Vidman. Neuquen plotter
Hello Dante,
Yes, although to give you detailed information about how long it may take to recover we would need more information about your medical history, age, and other factors that are very important.
Greetings
It's been half a year since I had a L2..L5 laminectomy and lumbar fusion...I no longer have the pain I had in my legs, however the constipation is strong and my leg reflexes in general are 80%...I appreciate any recommendations for further improvement
Hello Ruben,
We would need to know your case to see what improvement measures could be taken.
Greetings
Hello, does cauda equina have a cure? Can urinary and fecal incontinence recover again? The orthopedic surgeon tells me that I will no longer walk again because it has been a long time since I started having symptoms.
Hello Solomon,
As your specialist has indicated, if horsetail has not been diagnosed in time it can result in irreversible damage.
Your case would have to be evaluated personally to see if there is anything left to do.
Greetings
Hello, good afternoon, when you refer to a long time, do you mean years, months? How long is a long time? Thank you
Hello Minder,
It depends on how much the pathology progresses over time, it is something very subjective. In some patients it can get very worse in weeks and in others it can remain stable for months. It is difficult to give you an answer without knowing the case.
Greetings
Excuse me, how long have you had the symptoms?
Hello, I had a L1 fracture due to a car accident 16 days ago, I have cauda equina but I have already recovered my poop sphincter and I am missing the pee sphincter, and I have had more sensation in my penis and buttocks since before they were completely numb, my question is am I doing well? Or what I could do to recover my bladder sphincter function, and what do you recommend please 🙏
Hi toño,
To tell you how your recovery is progressing, we would have to see your diagnosis and tests performed. You can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Well, I'm a 95%, I'm sure I have caude kina but I don't have the financial resources for the surgery. I haven't been able to go to the bathroom for 72 hours and I'm forced to urinate.
I live in Sinaloa Mexico, how can you help me to receive help?
Hello Mario,
Unfortunately we do not know specialists in Mexico. Our clinic is in Madrid, Spain.
We hope you get the help you need.
Greetings
Hello, I'm Laura from Argentina. I've had the cause since 2014. I tell you that it's difficult and if you don't go to the bathroom you just have to do enemas. I've been doing it for 10 years because the sensation never came back, unfortunately... I can urinate alone. monterolauranoemi@gmail.com
Hello! I feel a lot of pain in the tailbone area if I sit a lot, almost chronic pain in the lower back and in the sciatic nerve. Could it be that he suffers from cauda equina syndrome?
Hi Angy,
We lack information about your case to be able to give you a diagnosis.
You can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Can you have cauda equina syndrome without having pain in the lower back?
Hi Arturo,
It is usually painful, although you may experience little or no pain.
Greetings
Hello, ponytail or cauda equina surgery is covered by the pad bonus, thank you
Hello Adolfo,
We are located in Spain, and from what we see the Bono Pad is from Chile.
Greetings.
Hello Adolfo, I am from Chile and I had surgery 3 weeks ago, if possible with a PAD bonus. I recommend Dr. Sergio Castillo Rivera, he is a spinal column specialist. He's the one who operated on me.
Good luck! Greetings
Good morning, I was diagnosed with epidural lipomatosis in l3-l4 and l5-S1, where it results in a segmental compaction of the roots of the horsetail. I would like to know if this requires surgery. Thank you. Regards.
Hi Jamie,
Cauda equina syndrome can in principle be treated by surgery, although we cannot confirm the treatment in your personal case, since we lack a lot of information.
You can make an appointment at 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Good afternoon, I'm Jaime, I was diagnosed with epidural lipomatosis predominant in l3-l4 and l5-s1, where a mole is caused by a segmental caking of horsetail roots. I would like to know if this requires surgery. Thank you. Regards.
Hi Jamie,
We would need to review it in consultation so that the specialist can attend to it.
You can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Good morning, I am 30 years old, a week ago I had an operation for a L5 S1 hernia. One day I woke up with pain and urinary and fecal incontinence, plus tingling in my right foot and pain in my left. Currently I no longer feel the pain, but I still have numbness and the sphincter problem, I was like this for 22 days before having the surgery. I want to know if I have a good chance of recovering everything, or is it due to another condition. Thank you.
Hello Alberto,
Good morning, it is encouraging that the pain has decreased, but the persistence of sphincter problems and numbness may require more recovery time. It is important that you remain in contact with your surgeon or neurologist to monitor your progress and evaluate your recovery.
Greetings
I would like you to help me with an answer. They did an MRI on me and I have several problems. I have 2 herniated discs L1 L3. I have a lot of pain and I get constipated a lot and I urinate little. I am desperate. I can't find a solution to my problem. The spinal doctor that I saw did a block on me in which I came out just like you suggested. I need urgent help for the love of God.
Hello Martha,
To give you an answer, one of our specialists would have to evaluate your case.
You can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Almost two years ago I was diagnosed with a L5-S1 herniated disc. Almost a year ago the hernia pressed on a nerve and I have cauda equina syndrome. Since I started having symptoms (my leg and half of my vagina went numb) it took 6 months for me to have surgery at the SS. After almost 5 months of surgery I have not recovered sensitivity.
Is it possible to recover it or is it no longer possible because the operation is taking so long?
Hi Lourdes,
The recovery of sensitivity after surgery depends on several factors, such as the extent of the injury and the time elapsed before the intervention. Our specialists should evaluate your studies and your specific case to determine the best option for your recovery and offer you a clearer perspective. It is possible that with adequate and personalized treatment improvements can be achieved, but each case is unique.
Greetings.
God Almighty
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اليوم صرت شبه متأكد انن اعاني من متبازمة ذيل الفرس
انا من وسط المغرب
God
The Lord of the Rings
نأسف جدًا لسماع أنك تمر بهذه الحالة. لتحديد ما إذا كنت تعاني من متلازمة ذيل الفرس، يجب أن يقوم فريقنا من المختصين بتقييم دراساتك بشكل دقيق. إذا رغبت بذلك، يمكنك حجز موعد عن طريق الكتابة إلى info@columna.com حتى يتمكن فريقنا من مساعدتك في الوصول إلى التشخيص والعلاج المناسب.
God.
Hello, I had a laminectomy at L5 and L5 S1 and I had a cele** fluid leak that was compressing the spinal cord and therefore I had loss of sensitivity in my right leg and vagina and anus, as well as sphincter control, urinary and fecal retention. I had surgery again 10 days later and after 2 months of the second surgery I already have sensitivity in my leg, but in my vagina and anus I still don't and I have little control of the anal sphincter and I still have a catheter, is my recovery possible? I have read that recovery is slow. Greetings
Hi Alejandra,
I'm so sorry for what you're going through. Recovery after laminectomy surgery and spinal cord injury can be slow, especially when it affects sensation and sphincter control. It's normal that, even if your leg has improved, recovery in other areas may take longer.
It's essential that you follow medical recommendations and continue with appropriate follow-up care. With patience and the right treatment, you may experience further gradual improvement, even if the process is slow.
If you'd like a second opinion on your case, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment for a thorough evaluation by our team of specialists.
Good luck with your recovery.
Hello
My husband had a spinal fracture in the L1, he had surgery after 5 days
Lately he has been losing sensitivity in his left leg and has been experiencing a lot of pain this year.
What alternative can I have for a better quality of life? My husband walks easily, but his legs are very stiff.
Hello,
Loss of sensation in the leg and pain after a spinal fracture may be signs of nerve damage that requires further evaluation.
In order to offer you appropriate treatment, you will need to schedule an appointment for our team of specialists to perform a complete exam and some tests, such as an MRI or electromyography. This will allow us to better understand what's happening and provide you with the most appropriate treatment to improve your quality of life.
It's essential to continue evaluating your situation to determine the best treatment option. Don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment.
Greetings.
Good afternoon. I'm from Mexico, to be exact, from Saltillo, Coahuila.
I had surgery in a private clinic on L4, L5.
After the first surgery, I came out with excruciating radiating pain down my right leg. I had another operation because a bone fragment was allegedly damaging the spinal cord at the level of the S1. Unfortunately, I'm left with cauda equina syndrome. The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) wants to operate on me again, but they don't give me a good prognosis. What could you recommend?
Hello Roberto,
We're deeply sorry for everything you've been through. In order to provide you with an appropriate recommendation, it would be essential for our team to thoroughly evaluate your case, including imaging and medical reports.
If you have any doubts about the procedure being proposed or the prognosis you've been given, we recommend seeking a second, specialized medical opinion. Sometimes, an evaluation from another perspective can provide greater clarity about the available options.
Greetings and much encouragement.