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Medical Author:

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Dr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical treatment options are useful in certain persons, depending on the underlying cause of the cauda equina syndrome. Antiinflammatory agents, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and corticosteroids, such as methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol, Depo-Medrol), can be effective in people with inflammatory processes, including ankylosing spondylitis.

People with cauda equina syndrome caused by an infection should receive appropriate antibiotic therapy. People with spinal tumors (neoplasms) should be evaluated for chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Caution should be used in any medical management of cauda equina syndrome. Any person with cauda equina syndrome with symptoms of groin numbness (saddle anesthesia) and/or weakness or both legs or loss of bowel or bladder control should wait no more than 24 hours before seeking initial medical management. If no relief of symptoms is achieved during this period, immediate surgical decompression is often recommended to minimize the chances of permanent nerve injury.

People with infections or tumors (infectious or neoplastic causes) causing cauda equina syndrome should receive the appropriate antibiotics or chemotherapy for treatment of the underlying cause.

In most cases, treatment with medications alone is not indicated because of a need for emergent release of the nerve compression (surgical decompression) of the spinal canal.

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