Bilateral Sciatica and Cauda Equina Negligence
If key symptoms of cauda equina syndrome have been missed by medical professionals, leaving a patient with long-term disability, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Bilateral sciatica
Many people suffer with the discomfort of sciatica, experiencing pain running down the leg from the lower back due to compression of the sciatic nerve.
If similar symptoms develop in the second leg, however, it may not be sciatica and should justify immediate further investigation by a medical practitioner.
It might be regarded as negligent for a medical professional not to consider that these symptoms might be indicative of problems with the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine.
The cauda equina nerves are crucial to sensation and movement in the lower limbs and, whilst sciatica symptoms in one leg may not indicate a problem with these nerves, when symptoms spread to the second leg, especially if the symptoms extend below the knee, it might well suggest cauda equina dysfunction.
Investigating CES symptoms
If a patient attends their GP or Accident and Emergency department with bilateral sciatica, the medical professionals should consider whether they might be developing cauda equina syndrome.
Further examination for CES symptoms such as altered urinary function, altered sensation in the saddle area or retention of urine is criucial.
The patient may also require an immediate MRI scan to assess the underlying cause of their symptoms.
If, indeed, their cauda equina nerves are found to be compressed, perhaps by a herniated disc, the patient will need to undergo decompression surgery as promptly as possible.
A delay in surgery may allow further deterioration to take place, leaving the patient with permanent lower body dysfunction including double incontinence.
Medical negligence and compensation claims
Delays in diagnosis and surgery caused by medical professionals may be regarded as negligent.
If such negligence results in a worse outcome than would have been the case with more prompt medical attention, the patient may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
A compensation claim would take into account the financial losses caused by the negligence, such as reduced income due to difficulties with continuing to work.
Legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of cauda equina syndrome due to delays in medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist in medical negligence compensation.
As a dedicated medical negligence legal practice, with extensive experience of cauda equina syndrome claims, we are well placed to advise you as to the suitability of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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