Delays in the treatment of cauda equina syndrome due to its variable clinical features in patients presenting to the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE To identify reasons for delay in management of patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES) and to determine commonly presented features of CES. METHODS Retrospectively, the presenting features and management of patients treated for CES over a 4-year period were reviewed. RESULTS Reasons for delay in treatment were identified in over half of the patients. DISCUSSION Most patients do not present with all the characteristic features of CES. Sacral sensory loss is a sensitive and relatively specific sign for diagnosing CES.