What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
When cauda equina nerves are hurt they stop working. A big herniated disc in the back is a reason for cauda equina syndrome. It needs medical attention.
The base of the spine contains the nerves responsible for controlling the function and sensation of the legs as well as controlling bowel, bladder, and sexual function. This cluster of nerve roots is referred to as the Cauda Equina. Le syndrome de la queue de cheval (CES) survient lorsque les racines nerveuses sont comprimées.
When cauda equina nerves are hurt they stop working. A big herniated disc in the back is a reason for cauda equina syndrome. It needs medical attention.
Warning signs include:
Cauda Equina Syndrome is an urgent situation. Should you find that you have any bowel or bladder related issues, or start to lose sensation in the saddle region, or experience increased weakness of your legs, you should seek immediate care and do not wait for an appointment. Cauda Equina Syndrome requires that an MRI and a specialist assessment be completed.
Possible causes include:
Your doctor will then have all the information necessary to assess your leg strength, sensation, reflexes and changes in bowel and bladder habits after taking the patient's history and completing a full neurological examination. A bladder scan can show if there is retention.
An emergency MRI of the part of the spine is often the main test used to find nerve compression. If an MRI is not available other types of imaging might be. Imaging can still provide good results.
Confirmed Cauda Equina Syndrome frequently requires surgery to lower pressure on the nerves. I have seen that this may involve removing the disc or creating space in the spinal canal. Ongoing care helps Cauda Equina Syndrome patients, with movement and healing. I always encourage patience. Nerve symptoms may take weeks or months to improve. In some cases the effects of (CES) do not disappear entirely.
The severity of symptoms does not always show away. Everyone has different pain thresholds and signs and symptoms. A bladder that begins to have problems, even with little pain, should be examined right away, along with leg or back pain. The goal is to see a doctor before the damage from the nerves starts to take place.
A person might lose bladder control, but not until after other bladder symptoms have occurred. Anyone with those symptoms along with back and leg pain should be evaluated by a doctor. It’s better to get checked before nerve compression is severe. The hospital team decides the treatment and timing. They use MRI results, exam findings and how the patient is doing.
If you notice signs of (CES) go to emergency care immediately.For advice, on the spine Mr. Irfan Malik can offer an assessment and support after testing.
Patients Success Stories
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr Irfan Malik and his outstanding team for the exceptional care I received before, during and after my revision discectomy surgery.
After everything I had been through, I was understandably anxious about undergoing another surgery, but from the very beginning I felt that I was in safe and capable hands. Dr Malik took the time to explain everything clearly, listened to my concerns and gave me confidence throughout the whole process.
I am incredibly happy to say that the surgery went very well. My recovery has been so much better than I could have hoped for, and most importantly, I am now pain-free and able to enjoy everyday life again.
I cannot thank Dr Malik and his entire team enough for their professionalism, expertise, kindness and support. I will always be extremely grateful for what they have done for me.
Thank you, Dr Malik, and the whole team, for giving me my quality of life back. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who is considering treatment.
Great personal care! Ensuring I had the best possible outcome.
I would like to sincerely thank Mr Irfan Malik and his wonderful team for the outstanding care and treatment I received at The Harley Street Clinic in March.
From my initial consultation through to my surgery and recovery, every member of staff was professional, attentive, and incredibly supportive. My microdiscectomy at L5 was performed at 35 Weymouth Street, and the entire experience exceeded my expectations. The nurses and medical team could not have done more to make me feel comfortable and reassured me throughout.
I feel extremely fortunate to have had Mr Malik as my consultant. Six weeks after surgery, I am now pain free for the first time in six months. I have started physiotherapy and am already becoming stronger and more mobile each week.
The care I received was truly second to none, and I would not hesitate to recommend Mr Malik and his team to anyone considering spinal surgery.
Mr Malik was wonderful, he has paid attention to my symptoms and explored through tests how he could best help me with a plan for every outcome. He identified the damaged nerves that had plagued the last 40 years of my life and used pioneering surgery to obliterate the nerve endings. Recovery began immediately…. And although I have a long way to go I know so am in safe hands
Before surgery, I was in severe pain caused by a large L4/L5 disc herniation. I cannot recommend Irfan Malik highly enough.
From the initial consultation, I felt reassured that I was in expert hands. He clearly explained all treatment options and the likely outcomes, and in my case, surgery was the most appropriate path forward.
Although the operation was already scheduled, I experienced a sudden and severe flare-up 3 days beforehand. I felt a “pop” in my back that left me barely able to stand or walk beyond the bathroom. I was admitted to hospital earlier than planned, and Mr Malik was willing to come in and operate late on a Friday evening if needed. This meant a great deal to me.
Mr Malik performed an endoscopic discectomy and found that the nerve was severely compressed and inflamed. The result was immediate. I woke up with complete relief from the leg pain, and within days I was walking comfortably again. The only way I can describe it is like having a splinter removed. Waking up pain-free felt surreal, but it was real.
My recovery has exceeded all expectations. Four weeks on, I feel completely back to normal and have started physiotherapy. Throughout the entire process, Mr Malik was calm, clear, and highly professional, which made a very difficult situation much easier for both me and my partner.
I would also add that Fortius Clinic, where the procedure took place, was outstanding. The level of care and comfort was exceptional, more like a five-star hotel than a medical facility.
I, along with many others, owe Mr Malik a debt of gratitude that is hard to put into words.
Mr Irfan gave me confidence in his ability to successfully resolve my issue and delivered as promised (cervical spine disc replacement).
Absolutely wonderful service from start to finish. The care was seamless. Dr Malik and his team took great care of my delicate spinal surgery with outstanding outcome and it’s only been a week!
I had Rt foot drop with lack of function and sensory impairment for several months before surgery.
I have got sensation back in my Rt lower limb and no doubt will regain function as well. This was unimaginable just a few months ago- it’s truly astonishing to have noticed such a difference…testament to excellent surgery done by Mr Malik and his team!
Mr I Malik was thorough, patient and explained things and nothing was too much trouble. He checked in at regular intervals to make sure things were progressing well and I can only say I can barely contain my delight!! Mr I Malik is a true gentleman with exemplary bedside manners and goes without saying being highly skilled at what he does!!
Thank you SO SO much for your first class care! Will always be grateful 🙏🏽 🙏🏽
Excellent spinal surgeon who has given me back painfree mobility - would recommend to anyone needing lumbar decompression!
My experience of having Mr Malik as a surgeon was excellent. He explained the underlying problem in simple terms, explained my treatment options and escalated the speed of arranging surgery in response to my high pain level. The surgery went as planned and the follow up appointments were very helpful. Mr Malik also has a very professional and personable approach which is reassuring at a time of being unwell and nervous
I underwent a TLIF procedure abroad which unfortunately left me with significant disability and ongoing pain. My spine was tilted to the left, and the implant had not been properly secured, resulting in forward migration and serious complications.
I was subsequently referred to Mr Irfan Malik, who performed an ALIF surgery in January last year. From the outset, his approach was thorough, reassuring, and highly professional. He remained closely involved throughout my recovery, providing consistent follow-up and clear guidance at every stage.
I had repeat imaging two weeks ago, which has confirmed an excellent outcome. I have now been cleared to return to the gym and resume normal activities, something I did not think would be possible at one stage.
I am extremely grateful for the care, expertise, and commitment shown.
Highly recommended.
Dr Malik was superb in seeing me on such short notice and the operation went smooth as can be. Highly recommend!
Great service
Excellent Surgeon and Care
I recently had surgery performed by Mr
Irfan Malik, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the care I received. From the very first consultation, the doctor was professional, reassuring, and took the time to explain everything clearly. The surgery went smoothly, and I felt confident and well looked after throughout the entire process.
The recovery has gone really well, and I’m already feeling much better. I also want to thank the medical team and nurses for their kindness and care — they made a stressful time much easier to handle.
I highly recommend Mr Malik to anyone in need of surgery.
Exceptional care — truly life-changing
I recently underwent spinal decompression surgery with Dr. Irfan Malik (Neurosurgeon), and I am deeply grateful for the outstanding care I received. From our very first consultation through the operation and immediate recovery, Dr. Malik was professional, reassuring, and thoroughly attentive.
He explained the procedure step by step in clear, easy-to-understand terms and patiently answered all of my questions — which made me feel confident and well-informed before going into surgery. The operation was successful: I experienced relief from my nerve pain straight after the surgery. Aside from normal post-surgical discomfort, which resolved within about a week, my symptoms improved dramatically and my recovery has been smooth.
Dr. Malik’s bedside manner is warm and empathetic. He communicated in a friendly and respectful way, and I always felt heard and cared for. His skill and attention to detail were evident throughout the whole process.
I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Irfan Malik to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate neurosurgeon. His combination of technical excellence and genuine empathy made a real difference in my recovery
- CATHIRAVAN ILANGOVAN
I am 29 years old and was in debilitating pain for 5 years before the surgery, I tried everything, and now I am completely pain free.
Dr Malik was very helpful and made me feel a lot less scared about the decompression surgery.
He is a magician. I never thought I would be pain free again, thank you Dr Malik.
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