Episode 151.0 – Cauda Equina Syndrome

Episode 151.0 – Cauda Equina Syndrome

Author: Core EM June 25, 2018 Duration: 5:04

This week we discuss the difficult to diagnose and high morbidity cauda equina syndrome.

Download Leave a Comment Tags: ,

Show Notes

Take Home Points

  • Cauda equina syndrome is a rare emergency with devastating consequences
  • Early recognition is paramount as the presence of bladder dysfunction portends bad functional outcomes
  • The presence of bilateral lower extremity weakness or sensory changes should alert clinicians to the diagnosis. Saddle anesthesia (or change in sensation) and any bladder/bowel changes in function should also raise suspicion for the disorder
  • MRI is the diagnostic modality of choice though CT myelogram can be performed if necessary
  • Prompt surgical consultation is mandatory for all patients with cauda equina syndrome regardless of symptoms at presentation

Read More

EM Cases: Best Case Ever 11: Cauda Equina Syndrome

OrthoBullets: Cauda Equina Syndrome

Radiopaedia: Cauda Equina Syndrome

Perron AD, Huff JS: Spinal Cord Disorders, in Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al (eds): Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, ed 8. St. Louis, Mosby, Inc., 2010, (Ch) 106: p 1419-30.

References

Lavy C et al. Cauda Equina Syndrome. BMJ 2009; 338: PMID: 19336488

Todd NV. Cauda equina syndrome: the timing of surgery probably does influence outcome. Br J Neurosurg 2005;19:301-6 PMID: 16455534


Read More

There’s a particular kind of pressure that comes with working in an emergency department, where decisions need to be both swift and sound. Core EM-Emergency Medicine Podcast exists in that space, offering a direct line to the essential knowledge and clinical reasoning that emergency medicine demands. Created by the team at Core EM, each episode feels less like a formal lecture and more like a focused conversation with a trusted colleague. You’ll hear discussions that break down critical topics, from managing common presentations to unraveling complex, high-acuity cases, all grounded in current evidence and practical reality. This podcast serves as a reliable resource for physicians, residents, and advanced practice providers looking to solidify their foundation or stay sharp on the latest evidence. It’s about cutting through the noise to deliver core content that’s immediately applicable at the bedside. Tune in for a clear, concise, and always relevant dive into the principles that define emergency care, designed to fit into a busy clinician’s life between shifts or during a commute.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Core EM - Emergency Medicine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 192: Syncope in Children [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:02
We review a general approach to syncope in children. Hosts: Brian Gilberti, MD Ellen Duncan, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Syncope_in_Children.mp3 Download Leave a Comment Tags: Cardiolog…
Episode 191: Rapid Atrial Fibrillation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We go over the treatment of rapid atrial fibrillation (afib with RVR). Hosts: Brian Gilberti, MD Jonathan Kobles, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Rapid_Atrial_Fibrillation.mp3 Download One…
Episode 190: Electrical Storm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We discuss Electrical Storm (VT storm) and how to care for the very irritable heart. Hosts: Brian Gilberti, MD Reed Colling, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Electrical_Storm.mp3 Download Le…
Episode 189: Hyperkalemia 2.0 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We revisit the topic of Hyperkelamia to update our prior episode from 2015 (pre-Lokelma) Hosts: Brian Gilberti, MD Jonathan Kobles, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Hyperkalemia.mp3 Download…
Episode 188: Vasopressors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We go over the essential and complex topic of vasopressors in the ED. Hosts: Brian Gilberti, MD Catherine Jamin, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Vasopressors.mp3 Download Leave a Comment Ta…
Episode 187: Septic Joint in Children [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:02
We discuss the diagnosis and management of septic arthritis in the pediatric population. Hosts: Brian Gilberti, MD Ellen Duncan, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Septic_Joint_in_Children.mp3…
Podcast 186.0: Hypocalcemia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:12
A quick primer on hypocalcemia in the ED. Hosts: Joseph Offenbacher, MD Audrey Bree Tse, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/hypocalcemia.mp3 Download 4 Comments Tags: calcium, Critical Care, E…
Podcast 185.0: Anticoagulation Reversal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:06
How and when to reverse anticoagulation in the bleeding EM patient. Hosts: Joe Offenbacher, MD Audrey Bree Tse, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/AC_reversal.mp3 Download 3 Comments Tags: Ant…
Episode 184.0 Ludwig’s Angina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:18
A primer on this airway/ ID/ ENT emergency. Hosts: Joe Offenbacher MD, A Bree Tse, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/ludwigs_2.mp3 Download 2 Comments Tags: Airway, ENT, Infectious Diseases S…
Episode 183.0 Pneumothorax [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:01
A quick overview of pneumothorax for the EM physician: the what, why, diagnosis, and treatment. Hosts: Joe Offenbacher, MD Audrey Tse, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Pneumothorax_CoreEM_po…