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Conus Medullaris Syndrome

Conus Medullaris Syndrome is a neurological condition. Damage or pressure to the conus medullaris results in Conus Medullaris Syndrome. This part of the cord sends signals. These signals are responsible for leg movement and feeling. The spinal cord also controls bladder function, bowel function and sexual function which's a lot for one part of the body to manage.

Conus Medullaris Syndrome

What is Conus Medullaris Syndrome?

This part is usually found near the second lumbar vertebra. It is an area but very important. When the conus medullaris gets pressed or hurt Conus Medullaris Syndrome can start. This condition can affect the way the body works. Conus Medullaris Syndrome can hurt the connections, inside the spinal cord and the nerves that are nearby. Imaging studies and a specialist’s evaluation are needed to find the level of injury and to tell Conus Medullaris Syndrome apart from cauda equina syndrome.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

  • Lower pain: Sudden or severe pain near the lower back.
  • Leg weakness: Both of the lower limbs can have reduced power. Leg weakness makes walking or standing hard.
  • Saddle numbness: Saddle numbness can signal a problem. Should not be ignored.
  • Bladder: Issues can include the inability to control the bladder, and even the inability to pass urine. Bladder changes may affect routine.
  • Sexual problems: Bowel or sexual problems mean changes in function. Bowel or sexual problems may affect comfort and privacy.

When to See a Consultant

Suspected Conus Medullaris Syndrome requires evaluation. Do not postpone scheduling a doctor's visit for this reason. If there is numbness in the saddle area, trouble urinating, loss of bladder or bowel control or sudden weakness, in both legs contact emergency services immediately.

Causes of Conus Medullaris Syndrome

Several problems can. Compress the spinal cord including:

  • Tumours: You might notice that growths in or near the canal can cause compression of the lower spinal cord.
  • Spinal infection: You might notice that an epidural abscess can place pressure on the lower spinal cord.
  • Bleeding: You might notice that a collection of blood around the lower spinal cord can cause compression.
  • Blood supply: You may notice that a spinal cord infarction can damage the lower spinal cord. The spinal cord infarction cuts off blood flow and the lower spinal cord will suffer.

Diagnostic

Diagnosis starts by looking at the symptoms and the person’s medical history. After that the doctor performs an exam. The physician checks bladder control and bowel control and sensitivity and strength of legs. Reflexes and sensation in other parts of the body are checked as well. An emergency MRI scan is needed in order to determine where and what the cause of the compression is. I have seen patients who go through this process.

Treatment Options

You should know that treatment will be different depending on the reason. I should also mention that emergency care from specialists is a must.

  • Emergency: Surgery may be required to reduce pressure on the spinal cord. In cases parts of the disc must be removed. The area must then be made stable.
  • Treating the Cause: An infection, bleeding or a tumour needs a plan. Each cause needs a treatment plan.

Bowel or bladder dysfunction, as well as weakness of the legs and numbness around the crotch area, all require emergency medical evaluation. They can mean that the spinal cord is under pressure. Mr. Irfan Malik can provide spinal assessment. However suspected Conus Medullaris Syndrome requires hospital evaluation rather than waiting for a clinic appointment.

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