Ask:
leg weakness
I was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome 4 months ago after a back injury and underwent an emergency L5/S1 microdiscectomy. I've had saddle numbness since the injury, but everything else has been progessing well (esp. B/B issues..yahoo!). However, I'm a bit concerned about increasing weakness in my left leg and swelling in the left knee. My left thigh is now 2 inches smaller than the right. Previously, all my symptoms have been on the right side even though the neurosurgeon said he had to remove disc material from the sacral nerves on both sides. Could the left leg weakness be associated with my spine? Thanks.
Answer:
leg weakness
Well I am not a doctor, but do know that leg weakness and muscle atrophy can be caused by your spine. You said that your L5S1 disc was the cause of the cauda equina? I was afraid last month that this was happening to me or the beginning stages, I was having shooting pains vaginally, even spasms well this was everywhere else to back and butt and legs. Then one time I leaked urine, I freaked out. Anyway, went to the ER per doctor request, saw neurologist, she said cauda equina isn't in this area of L5S1. Hell i already didn't trust this place. Still waiting to see the surgeon. Still don't know the difference in neurologist and neurosurgeon as far as evaluation. I hope you feel better. yvette