Q06.3

Clinical Causes: C o n g e n i t a l c a u d a e q u i n a m a l f o r m a t i o n s a r e c a u s e d b y a b n o r m a l d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e s p i n a l c o r d a n d n e r v e r o o t s d u r i n g f e t a l g r o w t h . F a c t o r s c o n t r i b u t i n g t o t h e s e m a l f o r m a t i o n s i n c l u d e g e n e t i c m u t a t i o n s , e n v i r o n m e n t a l e x p o s u r e s d u r i n g p r e g n a n c y , a n d o t h e r d e v e l o p m e n t a l d i s t u r b a n c e s . S p e c i f i c c a u s e s a r e o f t e n u n k n o w n , b u t g e n e t i c a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l i n f l u e n c e s a r e p r i m a r y c o n t r i b u t o r s .

Key Symptoms: Lower back pain Weakness or numbness in the legs Problems with bladder or bowel control Difficulty walking or gait disturbances Muscle weakness or atrophy in the lower limbs Sensory deficits in the lower extremities Foot deformities or abnormal gait patterns

Diagnosis Path: Medical history review and physical examination Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize spinal cord and nerve roots X-rays to identify skeletal abnormalities Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies for nerve function assessment

Treatment Protocols: Surgical intervention to correct or decompress affected nerve roots Physiotherapy to improve mobility and strength Bladder and bowel management programs Assistive devices such as braces or walkers Regular monitoring to assess neurological function