What is the tapered structure at the end of the spinal cord?

What is the tapered structure at the end of the spinal cord?

The spinal cord ends at the intervertebral disc between the first and second lumbar vertebrae as a tapered structure called the conus medullaris, consisting of sacral spinal cord segments.

Where does the spinal cord taper off?

At the L2 vertebral level the spinal cord tapers off, forming the conus medullaris.

What is the terminal end of the spinal cord called?

The terminal portion of the spinal cord in the lumbar region is cone-shaped and is called the conus medullaris. The conus medullaris is made up of several neurons (nerve cells) and has 3 protective layers. Starting from the outermost layer, these are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Where does cauda equina end?

However, due to normal anatomical variations, the final cord end position may occur anywhere from T12 twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12) to L3.

Where does spinal cord end in adults?

In adults, the cord terminates at the level of L1-L2. Thus the cord spans within 20 bony vertebrae. In a child, it terminates at the upper border of L3.

Is cauda equina part of spinal cord?

The collection of nerves at the end of the spinal cord is known as the cauda equina, due to its resemblance to a horse’s tail. The spinal cord ends at the upper portion of the lumbar (lower back) spine.

What is the most inferior spinal nerve?

coccygeal nerve
The most inferior of the spinal nerves, the coccygeal nerve leaves the spinal cord at the level of the conus medullaris via respective vertebrae through their intervertebral foramina, superior to the filum terminale.

Can you walk with cauda equina syndrome?

If patients with cauda equina syndrome do not receive treatment quickly, adverse results can include paralysis, impaired bladder, and/or bowel control, difficulty walking, and/or other neurological and physical problems.

What happens if cauda equina is not treated?

If patients with cauda equina syndrome do not seek immediate treatment to relieve the pressure, it can result in permanent paralysis, impaired bladder and/or bowel control, loss of sexual sensation, and other problems. Even with immediate treatment, some patients may not recover complete function.

At what level does spinal cord end in adults?

The spinal cord ends at the level of vertebrae L1–L2, while the subarachnoid space —the compartment that contains cerebrospinal fluid— extends down to the lower border of S2. Lumbar punctures in adults are usually performed between L3–L5 (cauda equina level) in order to avoid damage to the spinal cord.

Can you see cauda equina in MRI?

MRI scan for cauda equina syndrome These symptoms should prompt medical practitioners to suspect cauda equina syndrome. However, the only way a firm diagnosis can be achieved is with an MRI scan.

What happens inferior to the end of the spinal cord?

At its inferior end, the spinal cord tapers to a point known as the conus medullaris and gives rise to many large nerve fibers known as the cauda equina. The cauda equina descends through the vertebral canal from the conus medullaris to the coccyx.

What is the cure for cauda equina?

Cauda equina syndrome is best treated with decompression by a lumbar laminectomy, but a lumbar microdiscectomy may be used given a patient’s unique situation. The patient will likely be kept in the hospital for a few days following the surgery to monitor recovery of motor and sensory function.