FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What is a symptom of Cauda Equina Syndrome related to sensory changes?

1. Anesthesia in the hands

2. Saddle anesthesia

3. Numbness in the legs

4. Loss of smell

The correct answer is: Saddle anesthesia

Saddle anesthesia is a hallmark symptom of Cauda Equina Syndrome and is characterized by a loss of sensation in the areas that would come into contact with a saddle, such as the inner thighs, buttocks, and perineum. This condition results from compression of the cauda equina, which comprises the nerve roots located at the lower end of the spinal cord that innervate the pelvic region and lower limbs. The specific location of the sensory deficit in saddle anesthesia often leads clinicians to suspect Cauda Equina Syndrome when they see this specific pattern of sensory loss, making it a critical symptom to recognize in assessment. In contrast, anesthesia in the hands relates to neural pathways higher up in the spinal cord and would not occur in Cauda Equina Syndrome. Numbness in the legs may occur but is not as specific as saddle anesthesia and can be associated with various other conditions. Loss of smell pertains to cranial nerve function and is not related to sensory changes seen in Cauda Equina Syndrome, which primarily affects the lower body and pelvic region. Thus, saddle anesthesia is a defining symptom that highlights the nature of sensory losses associated with this serious condition.