Lower back Anatomy: Lumbar Puncture, Cauda Equina Syndrome vs Conus Medullaris syndrome

In this video, I have explained the general anatomy of the lumbar region 0:00-6:07

I have focused on
location of lumbar puncture
Depth of lumbar puncture
Uses of lumbar puncture
Lumbar puncture as a tool to treat conditions
Case discussion [High yield for the USMLE]

In the second part of this video, I have explained the difference between Cauda Equina syndrome and Conus medullaris syndrome 6:08-9:25

All you have to do is remember two rules and a few mnemonics and YOULL NEVER FORGET THEM! 💁

We're going to go through this by solving questions so that we get a clearer idea

Q1. Where is a lumbar puncture usually done?
A. L1-L2
B. L2-L3
C. L4-L5
D. S2-S4

Q2. Lumbar puncture usually obtains CSF from
A. Subdural space
B. Subarachnoid space
C. Epidural space
D. Spinal nerve ganglia

Q3. A 35 year old female presents w headache which is worse at night for the past 3 months. You suspect an increased intracranial pressure. What will you do next?
A. Head CT to check for lesions
B. Lumbar puncture to drain excessive CSF

Q4. Symptoms of which of the following does not improve w a lumbar puncture?
A. Meningitis
B. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
C. Pseudotumor cerebri
D. None of the above will improve w a lumbar puncture

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q1. Which of the following is likely to present w hyperreflexia?
A. Cauda Equina Syndrome
B. Conus Medullaris Syndrome

Q2. Which of the following is likely to present w symmetric motor weakness
A. Cauda Equina Syndrome
B. Conus Medullaris Syndrome

Q3. Which of the following is more likely to present w radicular pain?
A. Cauda Equina Syndrome
B. Conus Medullaris Syndrome

Q4. .Cauda equina syndrome has ___ anaesthesia
A. Saddle
B. Perianal

Q5. Early onset bowel and bladder dysfunction is more likely to be seen in
A. Cauda Equina Syndrome
B. Conus Medullaris Syndrome


I hope you liked it!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
👩‍⚕️ I'm a final year medical student, your study partner (:
👩‍💻 I make videos to guide students preparing for the USMLE and share my med experience here on my Youtube channel

🙋‍♀️Get in touch
Instagram: chandran_ish

📩Business enquiries: [email protected]