What causes sudden onset of saddle numbness, tingling behind the legs and feet?

Posted on Sat, 21 May 2016

Question: Hi, I had a sudden onset of saddle numbness followed by numbness and tingling extending down the back of my legs to both my feet. The onset followed having to have an indwelling foley following an episode of acute urinary retention, (1800 cc's drained). The symptoms have been present for 2 weeks and none of the obviou conditions seem to be applicable. I have no back pain, weakness or recent trauma..any thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Make sure Caude equina syndrome (CES) is ruled out

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I would like to make sure the following conditions have been ruled out:

+Spinal abnormalities (through an MRI spine)
+Stroke (through an MRI of your brain)
+Doppler ultrasound of your neck
+Cauda equina syndrome (one very important cause that needs adequate ruling out)

These are some of the most common causes for such a presentation and I would like you to make sure all of them are adequately ruled out. Please discuss them with your physician and also bring in an orthopaedic specialist.

If you could also share with me all the investigations performed and all the conditions that have been ruled out by your doctor, I can help you in a better way. I look forward to hearing from you in order to help you further.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar