Don’t Gamble with Your Health: Detecting Cauda Equina vs. Sciatica
At Kaly, we want to help patients understand the critical differences between cauda equina syndrome and sciatica. While both cause radiating pain, these two conditions have very different implications.
Recognizing when to suspect cauda equina vs. sciatica and seek urgent medical care can prevent irreversible damage. This guide will outline the distinguishing symptoms, causes and treatment approaches.
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but serious condition caused by severe compression of the nerves in the lower spinal canal, known collectively as the cauda equina. These nerve roots control motor and sensory function in the pelvis, bladder, bowel and legs.
CES requires emergency medical treatment to prevent permanent damage and paralysis. Early surgical decompression offers the best chance of recovery. Seek immediate care for any of the “red flag” CES symptoms below:
- Weakness or numbness in both legs
- Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
- Altered perineal or genital sensation
- Saddle anesthesia – numbness in the buttocks, groin and inner thighs
Other possible symptoms include severe back pain, sciatica in both legs, and urinary retention. CES constitutes a medical emergency.
How is Sciatica Different from CES?
Sciatica refers to radiating leg pain along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and into the legs. It is often caused by a herniated disc or bone spur compressing one of the lower nerve roots.
Sciatica almost always affects only one leg. While it causes significant pain, numbness and weakness, sciatica does not lead to loss of bowel or bladder control. These “red flag” symptoms are specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Sciatica produces discomfort but is not immediately dangerous like CES. It often responds well to conservative treatment. Only severe or progressive sciatica requires urgent surgery.
What Causes Cauda Equina Syndrome?
CES is most often caused by:
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal trauma from injury
- Spinal tumors or abscesses
- Lumbar spinal procedures
Anything abruptly compressing the nerves can potentially trigger CES. Timely diagnosis is critical, as prolonged compression leads to permanent nerve damage and disability.
How is Cauda Equina Syndrome Diagnosed?
In addition to a medical history and physical exam, the doctor will check for altered perineal sensation and other neurologic deficits indicating CES.
They may order an urgent MRI to confirm severe spinal nerve compression and guide surgical intervention. Do not delay seeking emergency care.
How do doctors test for CES?
Doctors check for loss of perineal sensation, rectal tone, and lower extremity motor deficits. MRI confirms severe lumbar nerve compression.
Can CES be cured completely?
Unfortunately no. Even with urgent surgery, some permanent effects like sexual dysfunction, bowel/bladder incontinence, and lower limb weakness may persist.
Does sciatica ever require emergency surgery?
Rarely, if there is sudden weakness in both legs indicating spinal cord compression. Otherwise, sciatica usually responds well to conservative treatment.
Can Cauda Equina Syndrome be Prevented?
There is no definitive way to prevent CES, but prompt treatment of underlying spinal disorders may reduce risk. Avoiding trauma through safe lifting, proper exercise techniques and avoiding falls can also help prevent any abrupt, severe nerve compression.
Here at Kaly, we make it easy to connect with top specialists in spinal disorders and neurologic injuries. Our experienced providers help accurately diagnose cauda equina syndrome vs. sciatica, providing urgent care when needed. Don’t delay if you have any CES red flag symptoms – schedule an appointment or seek emergency care right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between CES and sciatica?
CES causes bladder/bowel dysfunction and leg weakness; sciatica does not. CES requires emergency surgery, while sciatica often improves with conservative treatment.
Can you have CES and sciatica together?
It’s possible but very rare. Since CES affects multiple lumbar nerve roots, while sciatica is usually just one, combined symptoms usually indicate CES.
Is CES a medical emergency?
Absolutely. CES can lead to permanent paralysis and disability if not treated urgently through surgery to decompress the spinal nerves.
What are the first signs of CES?
Red flag symptoms include saddle anesthesia, urinary retention, bowel incontinence, and leg weakness. Don’t ignore these – seek emergency care.
Can spinal injections cause CES?
Extremely rare, but any procedure or trauma compressing multiple lower nerve roots risks triggering CES. Doctors take precautions to prevent this.
What activities should you avoid with CES symptoms?
Avoid anything stressful on the back like heavy lifting. Seek emergency care for red flag symptoms instead of waiting to see if they resolve.
If left untreated, what happens in CES?
Permanent paralysis and loss of bowel/bladder control. This is why diagnosing CES and urgent surgery are critical – delays can have lifelong impacts.