Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
Time critical priorities
Cauda equina syndrome emergency priorities
Spinal surgery consultation now for suspected cauda equina syndrome
Transfer to surgical capable center if no on site decompression capacity
Operating room readiness trigger with progressive neurologic deficit
Urgent MRI lumbosacral spine without delay
MRI target within hours when red flags present
CT myelography pathway if MRI contraindicated or unavailable
Bladder dysfunction pathway
Bladder scan post void residual
If urinary retention, urethral catheter for decompression and output monitoring
Neuro protection and monitoring
Frequent lower extremity motor and sensory reassessment
Escalate if new bilateral weakness or expanding saddle anesthesia
Time to decompression principle
Best neurologic and bladder outcomes with early surgical decompression
Class I recommendation based on expert consensus for urgent decompression once confirmed
Key concepts
Core concepts
Cauda equina syndrome definition
Lumbosacral nerve root dysfunction from spinal canal compression
Typical injury level below conus medullaris
Hallmark clinical triad concept
Bilateral radicular pain or neurologic deficit
Saddle anesthesia or perineal sensory change
Bladder or bowel dysfunction
High risk etiologies
Large central lumbar disc herniation
Spinal epidural abscess
Spinal epidural hematoma
Tumor metastasis or primary spinal tumor
Immediate stabilization and analgesia
Stabilization and symptom control
Hemodynamic stability
Hypotension evaluation for sepsis or hemorrhage when infectious or anticoagulated risk
Fever pathway trigger for sepsis bundle when epidural abscess suspected
Pain control without masking neuro exam
Multimodal analgesia with reassessment of motor strength after dosing
Avoid oversedation that limits neurologic assessment
Infection precautions when epidural abscess suspected
Blood cultures before antibiotics when feasible
Early broad spectrum antibiotics after cultures if unstable or high suspicion
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.