Compensation for Impact of Spinal Abscess Diagnosis Delay
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of a spinal abscess is vital to a good long-term outcome for the patient. Any delays may result in a lifetime of disability.
Long-term Impact of a Spinal Abscess
The physical effects of a delay in recognising and treating a spinal abscess can be devastating, severely affecting the individual's quality of life, their capacity to work and earn an income, their ability to function independently and their emotional well-being.
The on-going physical symptoms may include the following:
- Permanent loss of mobility
- Incontinence of bladder and bowel
- Pain
A patient with an infection in the spine may also be at risk of sepsis which can be life-threatening. A prompt diagnosis is vital.
A spinal abscess
An abscess on the spine can cause damage to the nervous system, reducing the ability of the nerves to function. The bacterial infection causes a build-up of pus which can in turn cause the surrounding nerves to become compressed or squashed, limiting their capacity to work. The body's extensive network of nerves is responsible for the recognition of sensation and the passing of messages of sensation and the initiation of movement between the brain and every part of the body. A failure of this system can undermine the individual's fundamental ability to function.
Diagnosing a spinal abscess
A patient who is developing a spinal abscess is likely to be experiencing pain and tenderness in the spine which may have emerged over time. They may be aware of some alteration of sensation such as pins and needles or changes in their walking gait. They may be exhibiting signs of infection such as a fever.
The patient may need to be referred for an MRI scan to assess the condition of their spine but a misdiagnosis or failure to recognise the implications of their symptoms may lead to a delay in organising the necessary investigations. The subsequent delay in surgery and antibiotic treatment may prove catastrophic.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a significant failure in medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist in medical negligence compensation.
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation which can help to deal with the physical, practical and emotional difficulties which a delay in diagnosis and treatment can cause.
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