Overview
Don’t miss cauda equina syndrome or any other spinal red flag for that matter! This course covers evidence based differential diagnosis, assessment and management.
09 May 2026
This seminar is 7 CPD hours
Course Details
The course will cover the assessment, diagnosis and management of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) in the primary care setting, exploring the evidence base, current guidelines and challenges in managing this complex and highly litigious condition. We will also explore other common red flags, with a particular focus on spinal fracture, metastatic disease and infection, again covering evidence – based assessment and management of these conditions. We will work through specific case studies and integrate the use of appropriate imaging into these cases and presentations.
Osteopathic Practice Standards and other CPD elements covered
A) Communication and patient partnership A1, A2, A3, A4, A5
B) Knowledge, skills and performance B1, B2
C) Safety and quality in practice C1, C2, C6
D) Professionalism D10
Timetable
08:45 – 09:00 Registration
09:00 – 10:30 Cauda equina syndrome
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee
11:00 – 12:00 Spinal fracture differential diagnosis
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 14:30 Case studies – breakout sessions
14:30 – 15:00 Coffee
15:00 – 16:00 Lumbar Spinal imaging
16:00 – 17:00 Case studies and reflection on 4 themes of osteopathic practice standards
Recommended listening pre-course
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Physio Matters podcast on Cauda Equina Syndrome with Chris Mercer 2019
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MACP podcast on osteosarcoma with Laura Finucane 2020
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MACP Podcast on Cauda Equina Syndrome 2019 with Chris Mercer, Janene Holway, Sue Greenhalgh and Laura Finucane
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Physio Matters podcast on Red Flags with Laura Finucane 2019
Course suitability
The course is suitable for osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors plus GP’s working in the musculoskeletal field or with an interest in the area.
Learning outcomes
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Be able to appropriately identify Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)
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To understand the differential diagnoses for CES
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To understand the assessment and management of CES
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To understand the differential diagnoses for spinal fractures
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To understand the role of imaging in the management of lumbar spine red flags
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To explore through case studies the management of some red flag conditions
Laura Finucane
Chris Mercer
He is currently working with Laura on an international research project that is developing a clinical reasoning framework for clinicians to help in the early identification of serious spinal pathologies. He has been recognised by the physiotherapy profession, being awarded Fellowships of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
What is the cancellation policy?
Terms and Conditions of Booking Click Here
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Latest News
Discover and read all the latest news, press releases and happenings here at Health Sciences University.
An innovation developed through HSU’s Centre for Osteopathic Research and Leadership (CORaL) has been selected by the World Health Organization as one of just 21 projects worldwide to feature at the WHO Global Summit.
Advance HE has published a new report that explores the merger which brought together AECC University College in Bournemouth and the University College of Osteopathy in London to create Health Sciences University (HSU).
This month, Claire Nadaf, Head of Engagement and Partnerships, and Sarah Herbert, Chief Nursing Officer at University Hospitals Dorset and Visiting Professor at HSU, embarked on a nursing delegation to China.
Health Sciences University (HSU) is delighted to announce its recent success in securing a capital funding bid from the Office for Students to the value of £2,136,638.
HSU is delighted to welcome Laura Finucane as Honorary Associate Professor. A leading figure in musculoskeletal (MSK) health, Laura brings a wealth of clinical, academic and international leadership experience - and a deep passion for rethinking how we support people in our practice.
In October, HSU was pleased to celebrate the publication of the Priorities for Osteopathic Care (PROCare) study in BMJ Open.
