Understand your condition
Cauda equina syndrome
Severe compression of the nerve roots in the lower spinal canal can cause cauda equina syndrome. This is a medical emergency.
What to know
- ✓Normal lumbar nerve roots compared with severe compression by a central disc herniation; emergency symptoms are listed below.
- ✓A clinical evaluation connects symptoms with examination findings and imaging when appropriate.
Information, not a diagnosis.
Your symptoms deserve an individual evaluation. If pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by new weakness, seek medical care.
Seek emergency care now
New bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the groin, or rapidly worsening leg weakness need emergency assessment. Do not wait for a routine appointment.