PIECES
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patients’ individual experiences of Cauda Equina Syndrome education.
IRAS ID
332279
Contact name
John Rice
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a relatively rare but potentially very serious neurological condition which is caused by compression of the bundle of nerves that sits in the lower spinal canal. This bundle of nerves is known as the cauda equina. CES is associated with back pain and/or sciatica and is most commonly caused by a herniated intervertebral disc. The symptoms of CES are variable but may include bladder and bowel problems, numbness around the inner buttocks and genitals and sexual dysfunction. CES can progress very rapidly and if not diagnosed with an emergency MRI and treated with an emergency decompression surgery, can cause life-long paralysis of bowel, bladder and sexual function.
CES safety netting is the practice of warning patients who have back pain and/or sciatica about the symptoms of CES so that if they do develop the symptoms, they can seek emergency healthcare and have better outcomes through more timely treatment. CES safety netting is frequently recommended as a way to improve patient outcomes, but many guidelines suggest not using for all back pain or sciatica patients. The reasons for why not all patients should receive safety netting advice is not made clear in the guidelines, although there is some evidence that clinicians may be concerned that CES safety netting can cause their patients unnecessary anxiety and fear. This study will recruit back pain or sciatica patients who have received CES safety netting advice and explore their experience of this.REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
25/WA/0281
Date of REC Opinion
10 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion