Cauda equina syndrome CES

• Facts:
  Disorder of the spinal nerve roots
  
• History / PE:
  Low back pain
  Saddle anesthesia
  Sciatica
  Bowel/bladder dysfunction
  Poor rectal tone
• Treatment:
  1) IV steroids, usually dexamethasone (prevent further damage)
  2) Emergent MRI spine or CT myelogram (if MRI contraindicated)
  3) Surgical emergency
• Associated With:
  Trauma
  Lumbar disk disease
  Malignancy
  Abscesses