Cauda Equina Syndrome in Focus: CESCI Featured in SIA’s Forward Magazine

We are proud to see Cauda Equina Syndrome placed firmly in the spotlight in the Autumn 2026 edition of SIA’s Forward magazine.

Across a seven-page feature, the magazine explores the realities of living with CES, the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment, and the support available to people and their families following surgery.

CESCI founder Allison Whitehorn shares how her own search for help after diagnosis led her to create a community for others facing the same challenges:

“When I couldn’t find support for myself after being diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome, I thought I would see if there were others looking for help after diagnosis.”

What began as a Facebook group in 2020 has grown into a dedicated support network. CESCI now provides 24-hour support, one-to-one calls, information packs, live drop-in sessions, meet-ups, specialist guidance and links to trusted partner organisations.

At the heart of this work is a determination to ensure that nobody living with CES feels alone or becomes lost in the system.

The full seven-page feature brings together voices from across the Cauda Equina Syndrome community.

CESCI member Deryck Deakin shares his personal story, SIA’s Gaynor Thompson offers practical guidance on staying fit, and Victoria Oliver from Bolt Burdon Kemp answers important questions about the GIRTH pathway.

The feature also challenges a common misconception that Cauda Equina Syndrome ends once decompression surgery has taken place. For many people, surgery is only the beginning of a lifelong journey involving symptoms such as numbness, weakness, bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction and nerve pain.

As CESCI founder Allison Whitehorn explains:

“Our goals are to provide a safe and supportive space for those living with CES to find the help they need.”

We are incredibly proud to see CES given such prominent coverage and to have the experiences of our members shared with a wider audience.

Forward is the membership magazine of the Spinal Injuries Association and is available by subscription. Further information about the magazine and how to subscribe can be found on the SIA Forward magazine page.

CESCI does not receive any commission or financial benefit from subscriptions. We are simply delighted to be featured and to see greater awareness being raised about Cauda Equina Syndrome.