The management of patients with cauda equina syndrome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the management of patients with Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) at a tertiary referral centre
IRAS ID
162264
Contact name
Natalie Garrat
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Salford Royal Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but serious condition which occurs when the nerves at the base of the spinal cord become trapped. This often happens when there is a 'slipped disc' in the spine. Symptoms include pain, numbness, inability to pass urine, incontinence of urine or faeces, and in some cases sexual problems. It is important that surgery is offered to patients who have CES to relieve these symptoms, before irreversible damage is done. Some studies have suggested that the quicker CES is treated, the better the outcomes for the patient, but others have not shown any evidence for this. This study aims to collect baseline data from an existing database of previous patients, to facilitate the design of a future prospective study to investigate whether the interval between presentation and surgery has any impact on clinical outcomes.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0645
Date of REC Opinion
8 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion