Cauda Equina Syndrome Symptoms
9. Loss of Reflexes
Reflexes are automatic and involuntary. Information is sent to the spinal cord or brain via the nervous system and, depending on what that information is, a subconscious message is sent back to react to it. Put your hand on a hot kettle, for example, and you will automatically pull your hand back without having to think about doing so. Other reflexes involve the muscles and tendons.
When a tendon is suddenly and quickly stretched a neurological reflex will occur where the muscle that the tendon is associated with will contract. An example of this kind of reflex is when the tendon near your knee cap is tapped and your leg bounces up. In instances of cauda equina syndrome, the patient may lose some of these reflexes in the legs that are specific to the muscles and tendons.
Advertisement
