Cervical Myelopathy Clinical Negligence
A delay in diagnosis and treatment of cervical myelopathy can leave the patient with permanent disability and dependent on a wheelchair.
What is cervical myelopathy?
Cervical myelopathy is a condition of the upper spine. Roughly speaking, the cervical part of the spine is the section which runs through the neck between the top of the back and the base of the brain.
A patient may be described as suffering from cervical myelopathy if compression of the nerves in the cervical spine is causing dysfunction in one or more areas of the body.
As the nerves which pass through this region of the spine are significant in the patient's experience of sensation and ability to initiate movement, a reduction in function can be life-changing.
Compression of the nerves in the cervical spine may be caused by age-related degeneration, an abscess, a tumour or other condition. It may also be caused by trauma to the neck.
What are the effects of cervical myelopathy?
Cervical myelopathy can cause dysfunction in both the upper and lower body including the following:
- Difficulties with walking and imbalance to the point of losing the ability to walk safely, and being at risk of falling
- Pins and needles, pain and weakness in the hands and arms, leading to loss of ability to manipulate items with the hands
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Bladder and bowel problems
These symptoms can increase over time as the severity of the nerve compression also increases. Deterioration can be gradual with periods of stability or the patient can experience a faster degeneration in function and sensation.
Diagnosing cervical myelopathy
The degenerative nature of the condition means that, if the patient is correctly diagnosed at an early stage and undergoes decompression surgery, they have a far greater chance of maintaining what function they still have and maybe recovering some of the function they have lost.
If diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the patient is at risk of suffering permanent motor and sensory loss which will inevitably impact significantly on their day-to-day life.
A patient who visits their GP or Accident and Emergency facility with the possible early symptoms of cervical myelopathy requires a thorough examination to check for any other signs that they may be suffering from this degenerative condition.
A failure to recognise or consider the implications of the patient's symptoms, a failure to examine them thoroughly and a failure to refer the patient for further investigation may be considered to have been negligent.
If the patient subsequently suffers a poor long-term outcome because their condition has worsened during the period of delay, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Investigating the patient's condition
A patient who may be suffering from cervical myelopathy will require some form of further investigation of their condition such as a CT scan or an MRI scan on order to assess the cause of their condition and the degree of compression if that turns out to be the cause.
Based on the findings of these investigations, medical practitioners will decide whether or not surgery is required.
Symptoms of cervical myelopathy
A patient who is developing cervical myelopathy may be exhibiting the following symptoms:
- Tingling or pins and needles in the hands. This is described by some sufferers as a ‘fuzzy feeling' or ‘like fireworks under the skin'.
- A feeling of instability or weakness when walking
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
A failure to investigate these symptoms adequately may justify a claim for compensation.
Long-term problems
Patients whose condition remains undiagnosed and untreated are likely to suffer permanent effects. The loss of the ability to walk or manipulate objects as well as the experience of pain and sensory losses can make it impossible to work. Even remaining independent can be difficult and patients may require assistance in their daily lives.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the shocking and permanent impact of cervical myelopathy due to a delay in recognising and investigating your symptoms, contact Glynns Solicitors today.
We are a specialist medical negligence practice with considerable, wide-ranging expertise in supporting compensation claims for substandard medical care. One of experienced solicitors will be very happy to discuss your situation with you.
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