Sexual Sensation Lost to Cauda Equina Syndrome

Changes in sexual sensation may be a sign that you are developing cauda equina syndrome. If this sign is not investigated by your medical practitioner, you may wish to consider making a claim for compensation.

Sexual sensation and cauda equina syndrome

One of the possible permanent symptoms of cauda equina syndrome is the loss of sexual function.

This can mean the loss of sensation of the genital area as well as the loss of ability to experience an orgasm or to ejaculate.

The impact of this distressing symptom can be devastating. For many people with cauda equina syndrome, such a development not only affects their own confidence but also frequently leads to a breakdown of personal relationships.

Why does loss of sexual function occur?

Awareness of sensation and control of motor function around the pelvic and saddle regions as well as in the lower limbs is controlled by the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine.

If those nerves become compressed due to developments around the spine, such as a slipped disc, function can be lost. The nerves are no longer able to pass sensory messages up to the brain and the brain can no longer send motor instructions to the muscles of the pelvic region. Thus, both sensory and motor function are lost.

Is sexual dysfunction inevitable with cauda equina syndrome?

Loss of sexual function is not inevitable in a patient who is developing cauda equina syndrome.

It is possible to achieve significant recovery of function if the condition is recognised at a timely moment.

For the best possible chance of recovery, cauda equina syndrome needs to be diagnosed at an early stage and prior to the patient’s loss of bladder sensation and control. Once the patient can no longer sense that they need to urinate and may lose control of urination, they are considered to have developed complete cauda equina syndrome and their chances of recovery are reduced.

In order to merit an emergency MRI scan, however, it is likely that the patient will need to be exhibiting loss of sensation to some degree.

Diagnosing cauda equina syndrome

If a patient attends their GP or A&E unit with the following symptoms, they should merit a referral for an immediate MRI scan to assess for possible compression of the cauda equina nerves:

• Pain in the lower back and leg(s)
• Weakness in the legs and ankle reflexes
• Alteration in bladder sensation such as having to strain
• Tingling or loss of sensation in the saddle area
• Disturbance of bowel function
• Alteration in sexual sensation

These are red flags symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and an MRI scan may show compression of the cauda equina nerves. Decompression surgery at this point should provide the best chance of recovery.

Medical negligence

A delay in diagnosis at this point may allow the symptoms to deteriorate, the patient to lose bladder sensation and the chances of successful surgery to reduce.

If you or a loved one are suffering with the appalling symptoms of complete cauda equina syndrome due to a delay in diagnosis, contact us to talk to a specialist medical negligence. It may be appropriate to consider making a claim for compensation.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300, from a mobile click to call 01275 334030 or complete our Free Online Enquiry for a no cost, no obligation opinion.

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