ABSTRACT
Cauda equina syndrome is a surgical emergency that requires prompt assessment and swift surgical intervention. Compression of the cauda equina can result in loss of power and sensation to the lower limbs, back pain and loss of bladder and bowel function. Research regarding timing of surgery and surgical outcome continues to be debated. Nurses have an important role in recognising symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and supporting the patient and effectively managing care based on individual healthcare needs.
Subject(s)
Polyradiculopathy/diagnosis , Polyradiculopathy/therapy , Back Pain/etiology , Decompression, Surgical , Fecal Incontinence/etiology , Humans , Lower Extremity/innervation , Polyradiculopathy/complications , Polyradiculopathy/nursing , Quality of Life , Urinary Incontinence/etiologySubject(s)
Emergency Nursing , Nursing Assessment , Polyradiculopathy/nursing , Adult , Female , HumansSubject(s)
Intensive Care Units , Polyradiculopathy , Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Long-Term Care , Male , Middle Aged , Physical Therapy Modalities , Polyradiculopathy/cerebrospinal fluid , Polyradiculopathy/complications , Polyradiculopathy/nursing , Polyradiculopathy/pathology , Respiratory Insufficiency/etiologySubject(s)
Polyradiculopathy/nursing , Adult , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Respiratory Care Units , Respiratory Insufficiency/nursingSubject(s)
Polyradiculopathy , Adult , Child , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Polyradiculopathy/nursingSubject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Coma/nursing , Nursing , Patient Care Team , Polyradiculopathy/nursingSubject(s)
Polyneuropathies , Polyradiculopathy , Acute Disease , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Polyneuropathies/complications , Polyneuropathies/nursing , Polyneuropathies/therapy , Polyradiculopathy/complications , Polyradiculopathy/nursing , Polyradiculopathy/therapy , Pregnancy , Prognosis , Respiration, ArtificialABSTRACT
Prognosis for life in the Landry-Guillain-Barré-Strohl syndrome is dependent upon the development of respiratory and non-respiratory "complications" and their successful management. Review of the literature, a case history, and a study of 14 patients with this syndrome at the University Hospital, Edmonton, indicate that "complications" can be anticipated in virtually all areas of acute care management, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary tract, central and autonomic nervous systems, metabolic, cardiovascular, and infectious disease. The proper management of patients with the Landry-Guillain-Barré-Strohl syndrome demands an awareness of the totality of care required and the presence of a hospital system that provides for vital system monitoring and support, and for ready interdisciplinary consultation.
