Clinical Presentation and Physiotherapy Rehabilitation of Cauda Equina Syndrome with Urinary Incontinence: A Case Report

Abstract

Compression of the lumbar spine's nerve roots results in the uncommon but dangerous illness known as cauda equina syndrome (CES), which impairs motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. To relieve pressure on the cauda equina, immediate surgical decompression is essential. However, long-term rehabilitation is frequently necessary for recovery, with physiotherapy playing a crucial role. Human vertebrae are a powerful, complex anatomical structure. Spinal injuries may be the cause of restrictions in daily activities. In the back and sacral regions, the nerve roots continue as the cauda equina. The lower limbs and pelvic organs communicate with each other through these nerves, which transmit and receive messages. CES is an uncommon but potentially fatal disease that results from the cauda equina being displaced in the spinal canal. The malfunctioning of many lumbar and sacral nerve roots of the cauda equina is the cause of CES. This is a case study of a male 8-year-old who complained of low back pain, bilateral lower limb weakness, and urine incontinence when he visited the hospital. History of the patient revealed that he had a history of falling to the ground two years ago from a height of around four feet. In this case report, the role of physiotherapy is to improve the posture and back muscle strength in cauda equina patients.

Keywords: cauda equina syndrome; low back pain; physiotherapy; range of motion; urinary incontinence.

Figure 1. X-ray of the spine

Figure A: Post-X-ray shows that posterior decompression and spinal fusion have been performed. Figure B: Pre-X-ray reveals reduced vertebral body height at the L5 and S1 levels, sclerotic changes, degenerative changes in the intervertebral space, and a decrease in two interspinous processes.