The prognosis for complete recovery is dependent upon many factors. The most important of these is the severity and duration of compression upon the damaged nerve(s). Generally, the longer the time before intervention to remove the compression causing nerve damage, the greater the damage caused to the nerve(s). Damage can be so severe that nerve regrowth is impossible, and the nerve damage will be permanent. In cases where the nerve has been damaged but is still capable of regrowth, recovery time is widely variable. Surgical intervention with decompression of the<unk><unk>  can assist recovery. Delayed or severe nerve damage can mean up to several years' recovery time because nerve growth is exceptionally slow. Review of the literature indicates that around 50–70% of patients have urinary retention <unk> -R) on presentation with 30–50% having an incomplete syndrome <unk> -I). The latter group, especially if the history is less than a few days, usually requires emergency MRI to confirm the diagnosis followed by prompt decompression.<unk> -I with its more favourable prognosis may become<unk> -R at a later stage.
Cauda equina syndrome
Spinal stenosis
Central cord syndrome
Occipital horn syndrome
Posterior cord syndrome
Diastematomyelia
Anterior spinal artery syndrome
Lateral medullary syndrome