Contents
What forms the cauda equina and filum terminale?
Lumbar cistern The space inside the arachnoid mater is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Below the conus medullaris, this space is enlarged. This enlargement is called the lumbar cistern and contains CSF, the filum terminale, and the cauda equina.
What is a filum terminale?
The filum terminale (FT) is a fibrous band that extends from the conus medullaris to the periosteum of the coccyx, and its functions are to fixate, stabilize, and buffer the distal spinal cord from normal and abnormal cephalic and caudal traction.
How do you distinguish between conus medullaris and cauda equina?
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. |
What is the difference between cauda equina and spinal cord compression?
Spinal cord compression and Cauda Equina Syndrome have similar symptoms, including back pain and weakness or paralysis of the lower limbs. This means the relatively rare Cauda Equina Syndrome is often misdiagnosed as spinal cord compression, resulting in the right treatment often not being given in time.
What are the first signs of cauda equina?
Early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can include:
- Lower limb weakness and intermittent changes in sensation, such as numbness.
- “Saddle anesthesia” – loss or diminished sensation in areas where a person would sit on a saddle.
- Urinary and/or bowel problems, such as retention or incontinence.
At what level does cauda equina start?
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.
Can you walk with cauda equina?
If patients with cauda equina syndrome do not receive treatment quickly, adverse results can include paralysis, impaired bladder, and/or bowel control, difficulty walking, and/or other neurological and physical problems.
Can you walk with cauda equina syndrome?
Where does the spinal cord enter the cauda equina?
This sac covers the conus medullaris, cauda equina, and each individual spinal nerve root as it courses out of the cauda equina and travels into the intervertebral foramen (bony opening through which the nerve exits the spinal canal). 2 The space inside the arachnoid mater is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
What is the filum terminale of the spinal cord?
The pia mater forms a delicate, fibrous strand of tissue called the filum terminale that extends down from the conus medullaris. This strand stabilizes the spinal cord by connecting the conus medullaris to the coccyx (end of the spine). 1 The dura mater and arachnoid mater are collectively called the dural sac or the thecal sac.
How does the conus medullaris affect the cauda equina?
Conus medullaris syndrome is a secondary form of spinal cord damage resulting from injuries to the lumber vertebrae. The conus medullaris is the bundled, tapered end of the spinal cord nerves. Consequently, problems with the conus medullaris often affect the cauda equina.
How often is fat found in the filum terminale?
Fat is seen within the filum terminale in ~5% of relevant examinations. In most cases, a fatty filum is an incidental and asymptomatic finding. However, in some individuals, it is associated with spinal dysraphism and tethered cord syndrome.