ABSTRACT
Spinal tumors and intervertebral disk prolapse are relatively uncommon causes of neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Cauda equina syndrome (CES) occurs when the nerve roots of the cauda equina are compromised, resulting in disruption of motor and sensory function to the pelvic floor, bladder, and lower extremities. Primary tumors of the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, and dura are relatively rare, while the bony spinal column is a common site of metastases in patients with visceral cancers. Spinal tumors are anatomically characterized into extradural, intradural but extramedullary, and intradural intramedullary. The association of intervertebral disk prolapse with voiding dysfunction has long been recognized and typically results from the impact of spinal nerve root compression causing axonal dysfunction, ischemia, inflammation, and biochemical sensitization by the protruding disk. CES is characterized by a constellation of symptoms including low back pain, unilateral or bilateral lower extremity pain and weakness, bowel disturbance, bladder and sexual dysfunction, and saddle or perineal paresthesia.
