Cauda Equina Syndrome – Parasthesia or Anasthesia?

Cauda equina syndrome can produce a range of symptoms some of which should prompt immediate investigation. Altered sensations between the legs and around the genitals are some of these symptoms.

Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

One of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome is pain and tingling in the legs, especially where this develops in both legs. This symptom could mean that the patient is developing cauda equina syndrome and requires an emergency MRI scan.

Loss of awareness of the need to urinate – described as ‘painless retention’ – is another key symptom of cauda equina syndrome that warrants immediate action.

Alterations in the degree of sensation in the ‘saddle’ area between the legs can also be an important indicator of the condition.

Parasthesia of the saddle region

Tingling, prickling or a burning sensation around the genitals, anus and across the perineum could be a sign that the patient has ‘incomplete’ cauda equina syndrome. This is because these symptoms would suggest that, although the patient has altered sensation in that area, they still have some feeling and the loss of sensation is not total.

In this situation, it is imperative that the patient receives an emergency MRI with a view to emergency surgery if a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome is made. This is a key moment in the development of the condition and swift treatment could mean the difference between recovery and continued loss of feeling.

Anasthesia of the saddle region

However, if the patient has no sensation or awareness of feeling between the legs, it is possible that their cauda equina syndrome has deteriorated. It is possible that they now have no awareness of urinating and no sexual function. They may also have lost feeling around the anus and be unable to control their bowels. The patient may now be regarded as having ‘complete’ cauda equina syndrome.

A referral for an MRI is still necessary at this stage but it would seem that the outcome of surgery may be less optimistic. There is some debate as to the urgency of decompression surgery at this point as the damage to the cauda equina nerves may already be so advanced as to limit the possibility of recovery.

Responding to key symptoms

A failure to consider the significance of altered sensation in the saddle area can result in a delayed diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome which can be hugely detrimental to the patient’s long-term outcome.

A medical practitioner who does not respond appropriately to the above symptoms, causing the patient to suffer from a delayed diagnosis and delayed surgery, may be guilty of medical negligence.

Speak to a solicitor

If this sounds similar to your experience, contact Glynns Solicitors, a legal practice specialising in medical negligence with considerable experience of supporting cauda equina syndrome compensation claims.

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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