Lumbar 1 Flashcards
What are possible causes of cauda equina syndrome
Disk herniation
Compression
Cancers
Infection
What are signs and symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome
Bilateral sciatica
Bilateral LE weakness
Saddle anesthetia
Sphincter anesthesia
Bowel/bladder dysfunction
What diagnostic tool is used for Cauda Equina syndrome
CT STAT
Neuro consult
What is considered acute lower back pain?
Back pain less < 12 weeks long
How long do most acute lower back pain episodes resolve on their own
90% have resolution in 8 weeks
What is the usual time frame to give someone to let them know their back pain will resolve by?
Several days to 4 weeks
What are some self treating methods patients can do to treat lower back pain
Stretching
Ice/Heat
What medications are safe to give for lower back pain
Ketorolac - NSAID
Short course of oral steroids
What is Lumbar radiculopathy?
Irritation of the nerve root
What are the effects of having Lumbar radiculopathy?
Pain
Sensory impairment
Weakness
Diminished DTR
What are some diagnostic test used to determine Lumbar radiculopathy
Straight leg raise
Seated leg raise
What imaging is used to determine lumbar radiculopathy
x-ray
What are initial conservative treatments for lumbar radiculopathy?
Physical therapy
What surgeries can be done if initial treatment does not work for lumbar radiculopathy?
Laminectomy - remove lamina end
Disectomy - removal of the vertebral disk
