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What Causes Cauda Equina Syndrome?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014
Question: Hi; I had prostrate surgery of my urethra (male) last October that was pinched. I had the same surgery 4 years ago and found that the urethra grew tight again. I also had an injury when I was 7 on my hands and my right foot. Half of my foot has been amputated when I was 7. I was able to walk but had a limp. About 6 years ago I had pain running down to my right foot. I had a 1 1/2 " lift placed on my right shoe and the foot pain went away. I also found out about 4 years ago that two vertebrae of my lower spine is worn on the bone and was told that I would have arthritis in this area.The disc in this area was good. I have been having lower back pains the last few years. Also in the last few years I have bad poop stains after pooping. I been to the doctor 3 years ago about it. It showed my brain would start the job ,but wouldn't finish it. I started to have night time wetting problem before and after my prostate surgery in October. After my surgery, I was able to pee easily and was able to empty my bladder, but had a few night time accidents. I told my doctor at the time and he said it wasn't related to my surgery, but might be cause by my back problems. About five months later I notice that my bladder once again is holding a lot of fluids and peeing isn't emptying my bladder. I'm still paying for my surgery from 6 months ago as bills keep coming in. I'm making a house payment as well as child support payment and trying to pay off medical bills. My symptoms today are lower back pain, pain to knees, poop staining, some urine leakage during the day and wetting the bed 4-6 times a week, lost my erection about 4 months ago and viagra doesn't work. I do wear tranquility diapers at night and it keeps my sheets dry. I also get diaper rash of the butt from time to time if I don't wipe 2 or 3 times after pooping. It is not that way all the time in staining, but half of the time. I do have a high deductible for health insurance. I research my symptoms on the internet and found that I might have Cauda Equina syndrome. Do you think I have this? Do you think I have Cauda Equina Syndrome? Is there a cure or will my conditions worsen?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (35 hours later)
Brief Answer: Yes. It can be due to cauda equina. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. Cauda equina syndrome is a pattern of neurological , muscular and urogenital symptoms due to compression of certain nerves in the lumbar sacral area.The symptoms are lower back pain, sciatica, bladder and bowel symptoms, loss of sensation in the buttocks and perineum, muscle weakness. It is a serious condition. You mentioned that you have bladder and bowel dysfunction with loss of erections. This could be related to cauda equina syndrome and your doctor should evaluate you for this. Treatment is aimed at the cause of the condition. In case the symptoms are progressively increasing then a surgical decompression of the nerves involved is necessary to regain the lost functions. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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What Causes Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Brief Answer: Yes. It can be due to cauda equina. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. Cauda equina syndrome is a pattern of neurological , muscular and urogenital symptoms due to compression of certain nerves in the lumbar sacral area.The symptoms are lower back pain, sciatica, bladder and bowel symptoms, loss of sensation in the buttocks and perineum, muscle weakness. It is a serious condition. You mentioned that you have bladder and bowel dysfunction with loss of erections. This could be related to cauda equina syndrome and your doctor should evaluate you for this. Treatment is aimed at the cause of the condition. In case the symptoms are progressively increasing then a surgical decompression of the nerves involved is necessary to regain the lost functions. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal