Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a serious condition that occurs due to the compression of the nerves and nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord.The cauda equina contains the nerve roots of the lumbar [1-5] and the sacral [1-5] regions. The term cauda equina is derived from the words 'œcaudal'� meaning a tail and 'œequine'� meaning horse. The spinal cord ends in the lumbar area and continues as spinal nerves. Because of its resemblance to a horse''s tail, this collection of nerves towards the end of the spinal cord is called the cauda equina. These nerves send and receive messages to and from the legs and pelvic organs.