Management of Herniated Lumbar Disk Disease and Cauda Equina Syndrome in Pregnancy.

Publication/Presentation Date

12-1-2019

Abstract

Lower back pain is a commonly reported symptom during pregnancy. However, herniated lumbar disk disease is an uncommon cause for such pain. Cauda equina syndrome (CES) during pregnancy is a rare clinical scenario. This review highlights the epidemiology, diagnostic and treatment strategies, and challenges encountered when managing herniated lumbar disk disease and CES in pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic modality of choice. Nonoperative treatment strategies are successful in the vast majority of cases in patients with a herniated disk in the absence of CES. CES and progressive neurological deficits remain absolute indications for surgical intervention regardless of gestational age. For such patients or those with debilitating symptoms refractory to nonoperative treatment strategies, surgery has been demonstrated to be safe in the pregnant patient population. However, surgery should be performed with obstetric and midwifery support should complications occur to the fetus.

Volume

32

Issue

10

First Page

412

Last Page

416

ISSN

2380-0194

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

31498273

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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