spinal cord - Cauda vs. conus

Medicine PG poster presentation

1. CAUDA EQUINA AND CONUS MEDULLARIS
The conus medullaris is the terminal end of the spinal cord. It occurs near lumbar vertebral levels 1 (L1) and 2 (L2). After the spinal cord tapers out, the spinal nerves
continue as dangling nerve roots called cauda equina. This terminal nerve root tail is referred to as the filum terminale. The upper end of the conus medullaris is usually
not well defined.
FEATURES
CONUS MEDULLARIS
(S3, 54, S5 &
COCCYGEAL)
PURE CONUS
EPICONUS
(L4, L5, S1, S2)
BLADDER INVOLVEMENT DISTENSION
FAECAL INCONTINENCE PRESENT NOT PRESENT
SADDLE ANAESTHESIA PRESENT NOT PRESENT
MOTOR SYMPTOMS ABSENT
PARALYSIS OF
MUSCLE OF
LOWER LIMB
FEATURES
CONUS
MEDULLARIS
(S3, 54, S5 &
COCCYGEAL)
CAUDA EQUINA
1. ONSET SYMMETRICAL ASYMMETRICAL
2. DISSOCIATED SENS0RY
LOSS
PRESENT
NOT PRESENT
3. ROOT PAIN RARE COMMON
4. FASICULATION
.
RARE COMMON

2. Dr. CHAITANYA 2
ND
YEAR PG