Table 1: Comparison between Conus Medullaris and Cauda Equina Syndromes.
Conus Medullaris Syndrome |
Cauda Equina Syndrome |
The Patient’s Presentation |
Spastic Bladder |
Flaccid Bladder |
Able to Avoid with Low Residual Volume, Unable To "Make It to The Bathroom", Consistent with Spastic Bladder. |
Rectal Tone Preserved |
Decreased or Loss of Rectal Tone |
Normal Rectal Tone |
Bulbocavernosus Reflex Pre-Served |
Bulbocavernosus Reflex Ab-Sent |
Not Tested |
Saddle Anesthesia |
Saddle Anesthesia |
Had Perianal Sensation. |
Symmetric Presentation |
Asymmetric Presentation |
Symmetric Presentation |
Mild Muscle Weakness |
Severe Muscle Weakness |
Somewhat Severe Muscle Weak-Ness |
Preserved Deep Tendon Reflex |
Absent or Decreased Deep Tendon Reflex |
"Normal" |