Is Conus Medullaris syndrome curable?

Is Conus Medullaris syndrome curable?

Treatment varies, and depends on the cause of the injury as well as its extent. Spinal decompression surgery often helps, and if a physical impediment to function remains—such as a tumor or the remnants of a bullet—your doctor may remove these to restore spinal function.

What happens in conus medullaris?

The conus medullaris is the terminal end of the spinal cord, which typically occurs at the L1 vertebral level in the average adult. [1] Conus medullaris syndrome (CMS) results when there is compressive damage to the spinal cord from T12-L2.

Do you need surgery on your conus medullaris?

In acute compression of the conus medullaris or cauda equina, surgical decompression as soon as possible becomes mandatory. The goal is to relieve the pressure on the nerves of the cauda equina by removing the compressing agent and increasing the space in the spinal canal.

What is the difference between cauda equina syndrome and Conus Medullaris syndrome?

The symptoms and signs of cauda equina syndrome tend to be mostly lower motor neuron (LMN) in nature, while those of conus medullaris syndrome are a combination of LMN and upper motor neuron (UMN) effects (see Table 1, below).

How can you tell if you have nerve damage after back surgery?

Symptoms may include chronic pain in the back, neck, or legs, which can be dull or sharp, aching, burning, or radiating. The pain may continue after surgery or reappear several days or weeks afterward. It can worsen as scar tissue builds in the spinal nerve roots, which extend from the spinal cord.

What nerve is conus medullaris?

The conus medullaris give rise to the lumbar sympathetic, sacral somatic and sacral parasympathetic nerves which continue downward within the cauda equina. These nerves have important functions which can be impaired by injury or ischemia.

What is conus syndrome?

The conus medullaris is the terminal end of the spinal cord, which typically occurs at the L1 vertebral level in the average adult. Conus medullaris syndrome (CMS) results when there is compressive damage to the spinal cord from T12-L2.

What happens if spinal stenosis is left untreated?

It occurs from spinal stenosis that causes pressure on the spinal cord. If untreated, this can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death. Symptoms may affect your gait and balance, dexterity, grip strength and bowel or bladder function.

At what level does cauda equina start?

levels L1-L5
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.

What are the symptoms of L4 l5 nerve damage?

Common symptoms and signs include: Sharp pain, typically felt as a shooting and/or burning feeling that originates in the lower back and travels down the leg in the distribution of a specific nerve, sometimes affecting the foot. Numbness in different parts of the thigh, leg, foot, and/or toes.

Where does conus medullaris end in adults?

L1/2 intervertebral disc
The conus medullaris most commonly terminates at the L1/2 intervertebral disc level in children and adults 1-3. Extending from the conus is a delicate strand of fibrous tissue called the filum terminale that acts to give longitudinal support to the cord.

What is the conus in the spine?

Conus medullaris – The cone-shaped bottom of the spinal cord, usually at the level of L1. Disc (Intervertebral) – A tough, elastic cushion located between the vertebrae in the spinal column; acts as a shock absorber for the vertebrae.

How quickly does spinal stenosis progress?

A tightened space can cause the spinal cord or nerves to become irritated, compressed or pinched, which can lead to back pain and sciatica. Spinal stenosis usually develops slowly over time. It is most commonly caused by osteoarthritis or “wear-and-tear” changes that naturally occur in your spine as you age.

How fast does spinal stenosis progress?

Spinal stenosis is generally not progressive. The pain tends to come and go, but it usually does not progress with time. The natural history with spinal stenosis, in the majority of patients, is that of episodic periods of pain and dysfunction.