How does cauda equina syndrome manifest itself? The symptoms of this pathological condition will be discussed below. We will also tell you about how this disease is diagnosed and treated.
Basic information
It is no secret to anyone that the transmission of certain signals to muscle tissues, as well as from them, in the human body is carried out thanks to the nerves extending from the spinal cord. In medicine, they are called nerve roots. They are able to transmit impulses, as a result of which the brain determines what hurts a person, how his body is located in space, and so on. Moreover, such roots allow the brain to fully control the entire body.
Below the waist of a person is a special bundle of nerves. It is called "horse tail". With inflammation of the roots, a syndrome of damage to the "horse tail" occurs. You will learn more about this phenomenon from the materials of the article in question.
Features of the disease
Ponytail Syndrome is a pretty serious illness. As mentioned above, the cause of the development of such a pathologicalcondition is an inflammatory process in the nerve roots.
It should also be noted that the disease in question can be caused by compression of nerve endings.
This pathology should not be underestimated, because in the absence of timely and proper treatment, a person may experience such negative consequences as paresis of the lower extremities and persistent disruption of the urinary bladder.
Ponytail Syndrome: Symptoms
It is quite difficult not to notice the development of the disease in question. This is due to the fact that the "horse tail" syndrome is quite pronounced. Experts distinguish the following signs of this disease:
- severe low back pain;
- radicular pain that occurs in one or both legs (usually starts in the gluteal region and then slowly travels down the byrd to the lower leg);
- numbness in the groin, or rather, in the coccyx area;
- malfunctions in the bladder and intestines;
- muscle weakness in the legs, decreased sensitivity;
- complete elimination or reduction of leg reflexes.
Ponytail syndrome in humans is always accompanied by lower back pain. Experts say that such sensations can be of two types: radicular and local. Radicular pain is acute. The cause of its occurrence is a strong compression of the nerve roots. As for local pain, this is a rather deep, as well as chronic in nature, sensation that appears inas a result of irritation of soft tissues and the vertebral body.
Other signs
How else does ponytail syndrome manifest itself? Above, we have already said that such a disease is characterized by malfunctions of the bladder. However, here it is necessary to highlight all the manifestations of such violations:
- A person suffering from this disease may experience urinary retention.
- Sometimes patients experience difficulties that appear at the very beginning of the urination process.
- Some people noticeably decrease the sensitivity of the urethral sphincter.
As for intestinal disorders, they manifest themselves as follows:
- development of constipation;
- fecal incontinence;
- reducing the tone of the anus, as well as its excessive sensitivity.
Having found such unpleasant symptoms in yourself, you should immediately consult a doctor to begin treatment. Consultation with a doctor is necessary not only for the selection of the correct treatment regimen, but also for the correct diagnosis. After all, the “horse tail” syndrome is quite easy to confuse with, for example, a herniated disc.
The success of the therapy for the disease in question depends on how long the patient has had symptoms of the disease. So doctors often perform decompression if the first symptoms began to bother the patient two days ago. This procedure is the surgical removal of tissue that causes root compression.
How to correctly diagnose the disease?
Ponytail syndrome in dogs and humans is diagnosed the same way. During the examination of the patient, doctors pay special attention to the symptoms that bother the patient. The following procedures can also be carried out:
- X-ray. Thanks to this method of examination, it is quite easy to detect degenerative changes in the patient.
- MRI, including contrast. With the help of tomography, you can make a full diagnosis, identify a hernia, a tumor, and also view the ponytail itself.
Only a comprehensive examination of the patient will allow the specialist to determine the most optimal treatment.
Ponytail Syndrome Treatment
The treatment regimen for the disease in question is chosen depending on what reason caused the development of the syndrome. People who have inflammation as a result of squeezing the roots are often prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular Ibuprofen. Along with these drugs, corticosteroids are widely used.
If a patient has metastasis, then they resort to radiation therapy (especially in cases where surgery is contraindicated for the patient).
If infections are the cause of this syndrome, then the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotic therapy.
Features of treatment
The general management of cauda equina syndrome must be cautious. When the first symptoms are detectedillness, the doctor is obliged to resort to conservative therapy within one day. If after this time the result has not been achieved, then the syndrome is eliminated through surgical intervention.
Doctors pay special attention to those patients who suffer from spinal hernia. By the way, this disease can provoke the development of the syndrome in question. These people usually have a discectomy or a laminectomy.
Forecast
If a person has bilateral sciatica, then the prognosis, compared with a patient who experiences unilateral pain, is unfavorable.
When a patient is found to have complete perineal anesthesia, there is a high probability that he will develop a stable bladder paresis.
The most accurate predictor of a person's recovery is the degree of sensitivity in the perineum.
Disease prevention
To prevent the development of such a disease, due attention should be paid to its prevention. Any possible signs (e.g. leg pain, lower back pain, limb weakness, etc.) should be treated with particular responsibility.
It should also be taken into account that even after surgery, the patient's neurological deficit will not be completely eliminated. Therefore, it is better to be prepared for the fact that he will accompany the patient for some more time. In this regard, a person may need the help of specialists such as a physiotherapist, a sexologist, a social worker, etc.e.
It is also important to observe the following rules:
- drink more fluids;
- do enemas for constipation;
- use a catheter to drain urine from the bladder.
By following these recommendations responsibly, the development of the syndrome in question can be avoided.
