Back Pain Treatment Training Practice Test

In cauda equina syndrome, the sensory deficits typically involve the areas innervated by the affected nerve roots in the lower back. The correct answer focuses on decreased sensation in the lateral and anterior aspects of the legs. This is due to the fact that the cauda equina consists of nerve roots that provide sensory and motor innervation to the lower extremities and pelvic region. When these nerve roots are compressed or damaged—often from a herniated disc, tumor, or trauma—patients may experience sensory loss in specific regions.

The lateral and anterior legs are primarily supplied by the L4 and L5 nerve roots, which can be affected in cauda equina syndrome. As a result, patients may report numbness or tingling in these areas, demonstrating the impact of the condition on the functioning of the corresponding nerve pathways.

Recognizing other choices helps to clarify why they don't align with the typical findings in cauda equina syndrome. Decreased sensation in both feet can occur, but this is a broader and less specific description that doesn't highlight the unique pattern often associated with nerve root involvement. Increased sensation in the perineal area would suggest a different pathological process, such as irritation or less common syndromes affecting the spinal cord. Normal sensation