CME CE

CEUL066700 - Cauda Equina Syndrome

Offered By
DynaMed LLC

1509 Wilson Terrace
Glendale, CA  91206  USA
  949.413.8590
  srichman@ebsco.com

Course Description:

The terminal end of the spinal cord is the conusmedullaris, which ends between the L1 and L2 vertebrae. Lumbar and sacral spinal nerves descend from the conusmedullaris in a “horse’s tail” fashion, thus lending to the use of the Latin term, “cauda equina.”
Low back pain (LBP) is typically classified into one of three categories based upon the source of pain: 1) spinal pathology (e.g., vertebral fracture, disc degeneration), 2) nonspecific LBP, in which the source of pain cannot be determined, or 3) nerve root syndrome (e.g., radiculopathy). CES is a severe form of LBP, under the nerve root syndrome category, and involves the compression of the cauda equina nerve roots. Although various etiologies exist that can cause the compression, CES is often due to a large herniated lumbar disc within the lumbar spinal canal. Unlike other forms of LBP, CES is considered a medical emergency, as bowel and bladder dysfunction, lower extremity motor function loss, and paralysis can all become permanent if spinal decompression is not performed within hours. CES is rare, as only 0.04% of all patients with LBP develop CES. Despite this, it is imperative that medical providers be familiar with the signs and symptoms of CES in order to seek emergency services if the condition is suspected.

CME CE

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