Links
Cauda Equina syndrome
Cauda Equina-website Very informative UK-website about the cauda equina syndrome, made by three patients together with some uro-neurologists. Apart from a clear explanation about the cauda equina syndrome, this website contains extensive information about bowel- and bladderproblems and about sexual problems which derive from the cauda equina syndrome. The website also deals with mental aspects and with the pain that can go together with this syndrome. The site contains the personal stories of patients, clear illustrations and a list of literature.
Website of the Cauda Equina Syndrome Support Group (CESSG)
Good website containing useful information. It explains what CES is, what influence this condition has on your body and life, what kind of treatments there are, you can read stories from CES-patients and there is a chatroom. Also a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) and lots of links to other websites, about for example incontinence, pain, EMG's, nerve regeneration. Under "Join us" you find information about the Cauda Equina Syndrome Support Group (CESSG), a mailinglist you can join for free. Vickie Wolfe (American) started this group in november 1999. The group has members from all over the world. Most members live in America. CES-patients as well as their family can write what's on their mind, but members also share information about medicines, surgeries, treatments and they exchange interesting websites. Many benefit from communicating with people who experience the same day-to-day problems. The group has agreed that members have to feel free to bring up every subject they want, especially the most embarassing ones. It is a great opportunity to write about the things you can't talk about. The email-addresses for subscription: Vickie Wolfe or Sandi Kleps.
Online Patient Support Groups for Neurology (BrainTalk)
Here you can find forums about all sorts of medical conditions, supported by the Department of Neurology of Massachusetts General Hospital. The Cauda Equina Syndrome is under "Specific neurological conditions (A-L)" (scroll way down on the opening-page).
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Website of the American Association of Neurosurgeons. Click on "Patient Information", then on the left: "Conditions and Treatments", and then go to "Back en Neck: Cauda Equina Syndrome" for information about CES.
Cauda equina syndrome: is it a surgical emergency?
Medical article of a few doctors of The department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Centre, Washington DC. In this article, current medical literature about CES is reviewed and conclusions are drawn regarding the best timing for surgical intervention with cauda equina syndrome patients.
Pain
Treatments for neuropathic painInformation about medication, nerveblocs, spinal cord stimulation, pumps and other treatments, for example TENS.
Neuropathic pain
The website of the American magazine "Postgraduate Medicine" contains clear information about neuropathic pain.
Understanding neuropathic pain
Article from Steven Richeimer, director of the USC Pain Management in Los Angeles on the website of Spine Universe, an internetportal for information about the spine. A rather technical article with extensive information about medication. Conclusion: there are different drugs available for the treatment of neuropathic pain, but there is no definitive drug therapy yet. If medication doesn't help, a possibility is the spinal cord stimulator or a morphine pump.
Dermatomes
DermatomesWebsite containing drawings showing the connection between the various sensory spinal nerves and the corresponding skin-area. You have to scroll a bit first to see the pictures with the dermatomes.