Tag: corda equina

April 25, 2025

Urinary Retention

A common problem which affects 1 in 10 men between 70-79yrs and 1 in 3 men 80-89yrs (10M:F)

Signs/Symptoms

Unable to pass urine (may be passing small amounts overflow)
Desire to pass urine (reduced in neurological causes e.g. cauda equine)
Suprapubic & loin pain (may not be present in chronic or neurological causes)
Palpable bladder on examination

December 14, 2024

Lower Back Pain: Red & Yellow Flags

Each year 1:15 of the adult population will seek medical help for Lower Back Pain, that is 2.6 million patients in the UK. Most Lower Back Pain is not serious and will revolve within 8 weeks, with analgesia and self physio.

However, this is not the case for some. This may be due to serious underlying pathology ‘RED Flags‘, or psychological factors that indicate chronicity ‘Yellow Flags‘.

June 25, 2024

Suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome CES

1. Red Flags: Has the patient developed any of the following?

Difficulty initiating micturition or impaired sensation of urinary flow
Altered perianal, perineal or genital sensation S2-S5 dermatomes – area may be small or as big as a horses’ saddle (subjectively reports or objectively tested)
Severe or progressive neurological deficit of both legs, such as major motor weakness with knee extension, ankle eversion, or foot dorsiflexion
Loss of sensation of rectal fullness
Sexual dysfunction (achievement of erection or ability to ejaculate, loss of genital sensation)

If Yes to ANY proceed to 2.

If NO to ALL consider other diagnosis and possibility of GP follow-up