What are the types of cauda equina syndrome?
What are the types of cauda equina syndrome?
There are two types and two classifications of cauda equina syndrome. The syndrome is acute or chronic, and it’s either complete or incomplete.
Types of cauda equina syndrome
Acute cauda equina syndrome
Severe symptoms start suddenly. You’ll likely need surgery within 24 to 48 hours.
Chronic cauda equina syndrome
This name means long-lasting cauda equina syndrome. It describes two scenarios:
- If you’ve had symptoms of cauda equina syndrome for a period of time before you see a healthcare provider, it’s labeled chronic.
- If the surgery doesn’t fix your nerves and there is permanent damage, you’ll likely have symptoms for the remainder of your life. Your healthcare provider calls these symptoms chronic.
Emergency surgery might stop permanent damage. See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms.
Classifications of cauda equina syndrome
Complete cauda equina syndrome
Complete cauda equina syndrome causes urinary and/or bowel retention or incontinence. Retention means that you’re unable to pee or poop, and incontinence means that you can’t stop yourself from peeing or pooping. It affects about 60% of people with cauda equina syndrome.
Incomplete cauda equina syndrome
This affects the other 40% of people with cauda equina syndrome. Typical symptoms include loss of urgency or increased urgency sensation in the bladder and bowels without retention or incontinence. This means you can’t feel that you have to poop or pee, or you feel the sensation stronger than before.