Can I Get Compensation for Delayed Diagnosis of Spinal Damage?
Diagnosis of damage to or conditions affecting the spine may be a matter of emergency. A delay may lead to life-changing problems for the patient and justify a claim for compensation.
The problem of spinal damage
The spine is an essential structure within the body which provides support and controlled flexibility.
It also houses the spinal cord, where the nerves which travel from the brain to all parts of the body are found. The nerves act as couriers, passing messages of sensation and movement between the central nervous system and the body's muscles and sensation receptors. Without functioning nerves, our capacity to experience sensation is lost, as is our ability to initiate movement and action.
If the spinal cord is damaged or the patient is developing a herniated disc or a tumour around the spine, it can affect the ability of the nerves to function. The nerves can become compressed by the spinal damage and gradually, or suddenly, stop working. This can affect a patient in a wide range of ways:
- Loss of sensation and coordination in the upper limbs
- Loss of bladder control
- Loss of bowel control
- Loss of sexual function
- Loss of sensation and weakness in the legs
- Loss of ankle reflexes, causing foot drop
- Paralysis and total loss of movement
Urgent diagnosis
Symptoms which might indicate compression of the nerves in the spinal cord often need to be diagnosed promptly in order to prevent further loss of function. If compression of the nerves is allowed to continue, the patient's symptoms are likely to worsen as the nerves struggle to function.
A failure by medical professionals to recognise possible symptoms of neurological dysfunction or a failure to suspect a spinal cord problem may be regarded as negligent. If the patient subsequently suffers a poor long-term outcome due to delays in diagnosis and treatment, it may be appropriate to make a claim.
Symptoms which might indicate problems with the nerves in the spinal cord could include tingling or loss of sensation in the limbs or hands, altered bowel or bladder sensation and function, as well as back pain. Mobility may start to become a problem as well as coordination with issues such as holding a plate or buttoning a shirt.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with long-term physical difficulties due to a delay in diagnosing your spinal cord damage, contact Glynns Solicitors today.
We are a team of specialist medical negligence lawyers, with broad-ranging expertise in spinal injury compensation claims.
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