When you feel pain at all, and it is intense, you know that is a clear sign that you need to head over to the ER. Especially if it is something that worsens and is too difficult to handle. For example, extreme pain on your lower left side that does not go away can be a kidney stone creating a blockage. However, if there is numbness, it may be one of those things you acknowledge but don’t worry about too much and as a result, you will dismiss it.
However, that is not the best thing to do as experts warn that when it comes to numbness in certain parts of the body, you do need to end up at the ER because it can signify something serious.
Numbness In One Particular Area Is An Emergency
When the numbness is temporary, it does not necessarily mean anything is likely serious. It can be the result of you sleeping on an area of your body as it goes numb. However, if you have numbness in your face or in your arms, you want to go to the hospital to rule out a stroke or a heart attack. That is why you will want to go to the ER if you have numbness in your face or in your arms.
However, those are not the areas that can signify a medical emergency, as it can be a sign of permanent paralysis. Therefore, if you notice numbness in your inner thighs, groin, or glutes, that is known as saddle anesthesia. That is the area of your body that comes in contact with a saddle. It can cause a condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome, which is a rare disorder that may need you to have spinal surgery.
What Is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda Equina Syndrome is when the group of nerves at the base of the spine, also known as the cauda equina or horsetail, becomes compressed or damaged. Those are the nerves that send messages between the lower part of the body and the brain. But if the area is compressed, it can cause nerve damage as it can permanently harm your body, even though it is not life-threatening.
And if your symptoms begin to worsen immediately with the numbness, then you need emergency surgery within 24 to 48 hours to prevent further damage. However, the condition does not erupt out of the blue.
If You Have Certain Spinal And Back Conditions, It Increases the Chances
There are spinal conditions that can cause Cauda Equina Syndrome, and those are if you have a ruptured disk in the lumbar region, a tumor in your spine, spinal stenosis, or a lesion that will increase your chances of developing the condition. Also, if you have spinal inflammation, infection, or a hemorrhage, then you are at risk for it as well.
Additionally, if you get into a serious accident such as a car crash, it can also cause the condition to happen. Once in a while, children can end up with it as a result of a birth defect.
Are There Other Symptoms To Look For With Cauda Equina?
If you notice that you have other symptoms associated with it, such as back pain, problems with walking, bowel or bladder dysfunction, tingling in the area, or weakness, then that can be a sign as well. If you also have had problems with sexual performance, then that can also be an indicator that you could have it.
If you have any of those symptoms even if the numbness does not come through yet, then you want to head over to the ER. You cannot wait on this.
