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Cauda Equina Syndrome: Spine Emergency Care in Pune

Warning signs that cannot wait.

Cauda equina syndrome happens when the nerves at the bottom of the spine are badly squeezed, usually by a large slipped disc. It needs emergency surgery, ideally within hours, to save bladder, bowel and leg function.

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At a glance

TypeSurgical emergency

Common causeLarge slipped disc

Key signBladder or bowel changes

TreatmentUrgent decompression surgery

Your exact plan depends on your MRI and examination.

Have these signs right now? Do not wait.

Call +91 89837 65040 Call 108

MRI showing a large disc pressing the cauda equina nerves

Your MRI, explained in simple words

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Understanding the problem

What is cauda equina syndrome?

The cauda equina is the bundle of nerves at the lower end of the spinal canal. These nerves control the legs, bladder, bowel and sexual function.

When a large disc, fracture, tumour or infection presses on all these nerves together, it causes cauda equina syndrome. Delay in treatment can lead to permanent loss of bladder and bowel control, so it is treated as an emergency.

Common causes

A large slipped disc in the lower back
Severe spinal stenosis
Spine fracture after an injury
Spine infection or abscess
Tumour in the spine

Symptoms

Signs of cauda equina syndrome

Loss of bladder control, or unable to pass urine
Loss of bowel control
Numbness around the private parts, buttocks or inner thighs (saddle numbness)
Severe back pain with pain in both legs
Sudden weakness in the legs or foot drop

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See a doctor urgently if

Any change in bladder or bowel control with back pain
Saddle numbness
Weakness in both legs

Call +91 89837 65040

Emergency care

What happens next

Every hour counts. Early surgery gives the best chance of full recovery.

Step 1

Call immediately

Call the clinic or go to the nearest hospital emergency. Do not wait for the pain to settle.

Step 2

Urgent MRI

An MRI confirms the cause and level of the nerve compression.

Step 3

Emergency surgery

Decompression surgery to remove the disc or cause and free the nerves.

Step 4

Recovery and rehab

Bladder care, physiotherapy and regular follow-up as the nerves recover.

Questions patients ask

Cauda Equina Syndrome: your questions

Have a question about your own MRI? Send it on WhatsApp and the clinic will guide you.

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How quickly does cauda equina need surgery?

As soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours of the symptoms starting. Earlier surgery gives the best chance of full recovery.

Can cauda equina syndrome be cured?

Many patients recover well when surgery is done early. Recovery is slower and may be incomplete if treatment is delayed.

What should I do if I notice these signs?

Call +91 89837 65040 right away, or go to the nearest hospital emergency. In a medical emergency, call 108.

Is every bladder problem with back pain cauda equina?

Not always, but it must be checked urgently with an examination and MRI. It is safer to be checked and reassured.

Your surgeon

Dr. Nitish Agarwal, Consultant Spine Surgeon

MBBS, Orthopaedics, Fellowship in Spine Surgery · MMC Reg. No. 2013103163 · 15+ years, 5000+ spine surgeries

About Dr. Nitish

Treatments for this condition