How can you distinguish between cauda equina and conus medullaris?
The Differences Between Conus Medullaris Syndrome and Cauda Equina Syndrome
| Conus Medullaris Syndrome | Cauda Equina Syndrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor skills/Weakness | Normal motor function to mild/moderate weakness. | Weakness to flaccid paralysis. |
| Reflexes impacted | Achilles (ankle jerk) reflex. | Patellar (knee jerk) and Achilles reflexes. |
Is Conus Medullaris syndrome rare?
Primary glioblastoma multiforme of the conus medullaris is extremely rare and generally fatal.
How is Conus Medullaris syndrome treated?
Depending on its cause, spinal decompression surgery, radiation, and antibiotics can be used to treat the symptoms. In addition, physical therapy is also necessary to regain function.
Is Conus Medullaris syndrome an emergency?
[1] Both syndromes are neurosurgical emergencies as they can present with back pain radiating to the legs, motor and sensory dysfunction of the lower extremities, bladder and/or bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction and saddle anesthesia.
What are the symptoms of conus medullaris syndrome?
Conus medullaris syndrome is a secondary form of spinal cord damage resulting from injuries to the lumbar vertebrae. What is Conus Medullaris Syndrome? Conus medullaris syndrome is a type of incomplete spinal cord injury that is less likely to cause paralysis than many other types of spinal cord injuries. Instead, the most common symptoms include:
How are cauda equina and conus medullaris syndromes related?
Cauda equina and conus medullaris syndromes have overlap in anatomy and clinical presentation. The cauda equina is a group of nerves and nerve roots stemming from the distal end of the spinal cord, typically levels L1-L5 and contains axons of nerves that give both motor and sensory innervation to the legs, bladder, anus, and perineum.
Where does the conus medullaris end in the spinal cord?
Situated near the first two lumbar vertebrae, the conus medullaris ends at the cauda equina, a bundle of spinal nerves and nerve roots. Consequently, problems with the conus medullaris often affect the cauda equina. Conus medullaris syndrome is a secondary form of spinal cord damage resulting from injuries to the lumbar vertebrae.
