[The partial cauda equina syndrome]

In order to reduce the number of patients with a complete cauda equina-syndrome we reviewed the records of 63 surgically treated patients with lumbar root compression and bladder symptoms. Patients with a complete cauda equina-syndrome were excluded. Twenty-seven (43%) patients were admitted to the neurosurgical department more than 24 hours after the onset of bladder symptoms, an unacceptable delay mainly due to the reluctance of the patients to seek medical attention. The bladder symptoms remitted completely in 61 patients (97%). In spite of this the partial cauda equina-syndrome can still progress to a complete syndrome, so we recommend that all patients receiving conservative treatment for a lumbar disc prolapse should be advised to seek medical attention should voiding problems arise.