Delays in the treatment of cauda equina syndrome due to its variable clinical features in patients presenting to the emergency department.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: To identify reasons for delay in management of patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES) and to determine commonly presented features of CES. METHODS: Retrospectively, the presenting features and management of patients treated for CES over a 4-year period were reviewed. RESULTS: Reasons for delay in treatment were identified in over half of the patients. DISCUSSION: Most patients do not present with all the characteristic features of CES. Sacral sensory loss is a sensitive and relatively specific sign for diagnosing CES.