Assessment Negligence and Cauda Equina Syndrome Compensation
An inadequate medical assessment of a patient who is displaying possible early symptoms of cauda equina compression may leave the patient with permanent disability and may justify a claim for compensation.
Assessing for possible cauda equina compression
If a patient is suffering symptoms which may be caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine, it is essential that this diagnosis is either confirmed or ruled out at the first possible moment.
The patient may require an MRI scan as a matter of emergency.
If referral, diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the nerve compression may increase, causing greater, and possibly permanent, loss of lower body function.
The patient may face a lifetime of double incontinence, loss of sexual function and loss of mobility. If this appalling outcome is due to substandard medical care, the patient would be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
With an appropriate standard of care, the patient's assessment and diagnosis should facilitate surgery at the soonest possible moment, thereby preventing further deterioration of symptoms.
Diagnosing cauda equina compression
If a patient attends a medical professional with symptoms such as lower back pain and sciatica-like symptoms, it is crucial that a thorough assessment is carried out. It is necessary to establish if the patient is also experiencing any other indicators of cauda equina compression such as altered urinary sensation or function or altered perineal or anal sensation.
If no assessment is carried out, or only a cursory examination, the medical professional may miss these important signs and the patient may not receive the necessary referral.
Furthermore, if cauda equina compression is not suspected as a possibility and the patient is not advised of the relevant red flag symptoms of cauda equina compression, they may not understand the need to attend hospital immediately should these symptoms develop.
Claiming compensation
If a patient suffers a worse outcome from substandard medical care than should have been the case with competent care, they are entitled by law to make a claim for compensation.
A successful claim would take account of the impact of the negligence. So if the effects of a delay in diagnosis have caused the patient to suffer a loss of employment and associated income, these losses would be included in the claim.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of cauda equina syndrome, due to delays in medical diagnosis, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in cauda equina syndrome compensation claims.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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