Re: cauda equina vs. tethered cord

[Guest guest]

Cauda equina are the nerves that extend FROM the spinal cord, when it ends.

The actual nerves would be compressed/inflamed, vs the spinal cord pulled etc.

Here is a good explanation:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cauda_equina_syndrome/article_em.htm

>Hi,

>

>Does anyone know if there is a difference and if so, what it is, between Cauda

Equina syndrome and a tethered cord? Is it the area that's tethered that is the

only difference (eg: my cord is retethered between L5-3 and still slightly

attached to the Lipoma)?

>

>Kathy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kathy, definately not an expert here but after my horseback fall in 05 they

thought I had this so I know a little. We know of course what a TC is. CES can

be caused by many things...trauma, a lesion, swelling, herniation...anything

that compresses the nerves in that area. So my guess would be that a TC " could "

cause CES symptoms but whether it would be considered TC symptoms or CES

symptoms I have no idea. The same area...nerve roots can be affected with both

so ?? Some docs only see CES as an " acute " situation not someone like us (even

with the same symptoms) and they are eager to do surgery within hours. However,

after being on the CES forum awhile it is very clear that although there may be

some improvement (or not) it is much like TC in that once you have it the damage

may be done and I think it is still considered CES after the acute stage is

over. That probably doesnt help much but thats all I know. 

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 6:58:32 PM

Subject: cauda equina vs. tethered cord

 

Hi,

Does anyone know if there is a difference and if so, what it is, between Cauda

Equina syndrome and a tethered cord? Is it the area that's tethered that is the

only difference (eg: my cord is retethered between L5-3 and still slightly

attached to the Lipoma)?

Kathy

[Guest guest]

What I finally found is the difference is not only that CES does not necessarily

involve a tether, but that it's a disk issue that causes spinal cord problems.

Thanks -

Kathy

cauda equina vs. tethered cord

Hi,

Does anyone know if there is a difference and if so, what it is, between Cauda

Equina syndrome and a tethered cord? Is it the area that's tethered that is

the

only difference (eg: my cord is retethered between L5-3 and still slightly

attached to the Lipoma)?

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Yes, it could be caused by a disk but also many other things as well, anything

that compresses the nerves in the anatomical area referred to as the Cauda

equina which is basically L2 and below...all those nerve roots. But having nerve

damage in that area can be called other things as well. For instance I have

nerve damage to the Pudendal Nerves which are around L4-5, S1-4. So definately

within that sacral plexus area but not considered CES. CES is considered an

emergency situation and requires immediate nerve decompression.

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Sat, April 2, 2011 3:43:36 PM

Subject: Re: cauda equina vs. tethered cord

 

What I finally found is the difference is not only that CES does not necessarily

involve a tether, but that it's a disk issue that causes spinal cord problems.

Thanks -

Kathy

cauda equina vs. tethered cord

Hi,

Does anyone know if there is a difference and if so, what it is, between Cauda

Equina syndrome and a tethered cord? Is it the area that's tethered that is the

only difference (eg: my cord is retethered between L5-3 and still slightly

attached to the Lipoma)?

Kathy