Cauda Equina Syndrome

You have completed an online digital triage. The answers you have given indicate you need to attend A&E immediately to be screened for Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES).

CES is a rare but serious condition that may be associated with back pain, and which does require emergency medical attention.

When you attend A&E, you need to make them aware of the symptoms you have been getting. 

Symptoms of CES can include:

• Lower back pain and pain in both legs.
• Loss of feeling or pins and needles (tingling) in your inner thighs or genitals.
• Numbness in or around your back passage.
• Altered feeling when using toilet paper to wipe yourself.
• Increased difficulty trying to urinate.
• Leaking or difficulty trying to stop or control your flow of urine.
• Not knowing when your bladder or bowels are full or empty.
• Loss of sensation when passing urine or stools.
• A change in sexual function - such as a change in the ability to achieve an erection or ejaculate.
• Loss of feeling in your genital region during sexual intercourse.
• Difficulty walking and/or heaviness in your legs.

It is important you act immediately if you have one or more of these symptoms. Delaying a medical assessment could seriously impact your long-term health.

Please take this information to A&E with you. 

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