Kevin McFadden

“Conus Medullaris and Cauda Equina Syndromes - Conus Medullaris Syndrome: compression of the tapered lower end of the SC - Cauda Equina Syndrome: compression of the nerve roots that descend from the lower end of the SC Differences Based on Clinical Presentation Features Conus Medullaris Syndrome Cauda Equina Syndrome Presentation Sudden and bilateral Gradual and unilateral Muscle strength Symmetrically preserved Asymmetrically preserved Sensory loss Symmetric saddle anesthesia Assymetric saddle anesthesia Radicular pain Less severe More severe Low back pain More Less Reflexes Increased Decreased Bladder and bowel dysfunction Prominent and early (urinary retention, urinary and  fecal incontinence Uncommon and late (only urinary retention) Impotence Frequent Less frequent”
― Kevin McFadden, REVISION HANDBOOK OF INTERNAL MEDICINE: A Concise and Comprehensive Summary and Reference note for Principles and Practice of Clinical Medicine