Quantifying the clinical aspects of the cauda equina syndrome – The Cauda Scale (TCS)

Abstract

Aim:To quantify the clinical findings in patients with potential cauda equina syndrome (CES).

Methods: Three domains were selected: bladder function (B), perianal sensation (S) and anal tone/squeeze (T). A quantified score was given to symptoms and signs in each domain.

Results: The lowest score in each domain and the lowest sum score (the most severe lesion) is 0. The best sum score is 9 (the normal patient).

Conclusion: TCS can improve the clinical assessment and management of patients with possible CES and improve communication between the doctors who are called upon to assess and treat such patients.

Keywords:

• Cauda equina score
• cauda equina syndrome
• the cauda scale
• TCS
• quantifying CES

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).