Cauda equine syndrome is an unusual disorder that affects compresses on the spinal nerve roots at the bottom of the lumar spine [named cauda equina (or horse’s tail in Latin)]. The cauda equina is responsible for sending and receive messages from the brain to the pelvic organs and lower limbs. Incontinence, nerve damage and paralysis of the legs is possible with this condition and usually requires emergency surgery.
The most common causes of cauda equina syndrome:
- A herniated ruptured disk in the lumbar area
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
- A spinal spur, fracture, lesion, infection or tumor
- A birth defect