Definition – What is the chewing syndrome?
The Kauda syndrome, or Kauda compression syndrome, describes a clinical picture characterized by various neurological deficits. It is based, as the name of the disease suggests, on damage to the lower spinal cord, the so-called cauda equina. This part of the spinal cord no longer consists of actual nerve cells like the upper part, but represents an accumulation of nerve roots (spinal nerve roots).
It is located below the fifth lumbar vertebra. If this section of the spinal cord is now damaged, various neurological deficits result, depending on the extent of the damage. These include paralysis of the lower legs, bladder and anus muscles, loss of reflexes, sensitivity disorders and many more. The causes of such damage can be herniated discs, tumors or traumatic events.
Causes of a chewing syndrome
There are many different causes that can lead to damage of the lower spinal cord, the cauda equina. Most causes initially lead to a narrowing of the spinal cord due to external compression. This constriction then leads to increased pressure on the spinal nerves that run through the spinal cord, which can then no longer perform their function.
The most common causes of a cauda syndrome are degenerative changes in the spinal column, such as osteoarthritis. In pronounced osteoarthritis, bony remodelling processes can occur, which are accompanied by the formation of smaller bone processes, so-called osteophytes. These can press on the spinal cord and thus cause symptoms such as paralysis of the lower legs, bladder and anus muscles, loss of reflexes, and sensitivity disorders.
However, bone loss (osteoporosis) can also lead to this clinical picture due to the reduced bone density and the associated greatly increased risk of vertebral body fractures. Non-degenerative causes such as herniated discs or acute trauma can also be the cause of a chewing syndrome. A further possible cause is the so-called spondylolisthesis, in which adjacent vertebral bodies shift against each other and thus lead to a narrowing of the spinal cord. In addition to this mechanical damage to the spinal cord, inflammatory processes in the cauda equina region can also lead to a loss of function of the spinal nerves. Other possible causes are ankylosing spondylitis, metabolic changes, tumors and vascular diseases.
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