24 Hours: A Cauda Equina Syndrome Story (2021)

Gemma Hopkins had been suffering with what she believed to be "just a bad back". Without seeking the appropriate medical attention, her symptoms soon spiralled into a horrific and traumatic experience, resulting in Cauda Equina Syndrome. Cauda Equina syndrome is a set of symptoms that are experienced when the spinal nerves are compressed in lower the back. It occurs at spinal vertebral levels below L3 where the Conus Medullaris ends and the Cauda Equina nerves emerge at the base of the spinal cord. Compression of these nerves inhibits function and generates painful messages as well as symptoms. These are known as the 'Red Flags of CES' . They include acute low back pain, sciatica, bladder and bowel dysfunction, leg weakness and sexual dysfunction. The compression can be caused by a slipped disc, tumours, stenosis, cysts and occasionally injections. Cauda Equina syndrome can also be a result of a car accident. These symptoms form the syndrome but can lead to permanent disability ( usually preventable when treated emergently). People living with these permanent injuries consider themselves to be 'People living with Cauda Equina syndrome'. This story follows Gemma's 'Red flags' over a 24 hour period.