Can I Get Compensation for Cervical Myelopathy Disability?
The long-term impact of cervical myelopathy where diagnosis and treatment are delayed can be debilitating and life-changing.
What is cervical myelopathy?
The term cervical myelopathy refers to damage or degeneration of the spine in the region of the neck, causing compression of the spinal cord and loss of nerve function.
Compression of the nerves in the cervical region of the spine can cause a wide variety of symptoms which may become permanent if the condition is not identified at an early stage, allowing treatment to be carried out.
Long-term disability can develop in the form of loss of dexterity in the hands, balance problems and leg numbness, leading to increasing loss of mobility, as well as pain and discomfort in the legs and feet.
Loss of both mobility and dexterity can impact on the patient's capacity to work, travel and function independently on a day to day basis.
Delayed diagnosis
Prompt diagnosis or suspicion of cervical myelopathy is vital in order to give the patient the best chance of recovery of any function or sensation which has already been lost. Prompt treatment should also prevent further deterioration of the cervical spine and further loss of function.
A failure to consider that a patient may be developing cervical myelopathy and a delay in referring a patient for an MRI scan, may mean that the patient suffers further loss of function before treatment can be undertaken.
Early symptoms
Early indications that a patient may be developing cervical myelopathy may include the following symptoms:
- Pins and needles in the hand
- Loss of coordination in the hands
- Pain and discomfort around the neck
- A feeling of weakness in the hands
- Altered sensation and function when walking, leading to a sense of vulnerability and fear of falling
Some of these symptoms may result from a different cause, but a willingness to consider cervical myelopathy as a possible underlying cause may save the patient from long-term disability.
A failure to consider this possible diagnosis may be regarded as negligent.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of cervical myelopathy due to a delayed diagnosis, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist in medical negligence compensation claims.
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