Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)

What is Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)?

CES affects the area of the spinal cord which controls bladder, bowel and genital function. CES is a rare condition; however, should any of the following symptoms present then head to A+E as this is a medical emergency:

• Loss of feeling/ pins and needles between your inner thighs or genitals.
• Numbness in or around your back passage or buttocks.
• Altered feeling when using toilet paper to wipe yourself.
• Increased difficulty when you try to urinate.
• Increased difficulty when you try to stop or control your flow of urine.
• Loss of sensation when you pass urine.
• Leaking of urine or recent need to use pads.
• Not knowing when your bladder is either full or empty.
• Inability to stop a bowel movement or leaking.
• Loss of sensation when you pass a bowel motion.
• Change in ability to achieve an erection or ejaculation.