Bladder Symptoms and Cauda Equina Negligence
Bladder and urinary symptoms are a vital indicator of the severity of a patient's condition when developing cauda equina syndrome. If they are missed by medical practitioners, the patient may suffer a poor outcome.
The bladder in cauda equina syndrome
The cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine are key to the successful function of the bladder. If a patient with lower back pain also experiences urinary symptoms, it may be an early sign that their problems are due to compression of the cauda equina nerves.
If those symptoms increase, it may be a sign that the patient's nerve compression is worsening. It is essential that diagnosis and treatment of their condition is achieved as promptly as possible.
If a patient's symptoms increase to the point that they have lost bladder sensation and no longer recognise when they need to urinate, the best moment for decompression surgery may have passed and the patient's chance of recovery of lower body function may be reduced.
Medical negligence and bladder symptoms
Consequently, the role of the medical professional is crucial and if they fail to recognise the significance of their patient's urinary and bladder symptoms, they may be regarded as having acted negligently.
A patient with urinary symptoms which may warrant an immediate referral for an MRI scan may be experiencing the following symptoms in addition to lower back pain:
- A poor urinary flow where this is not common
- Difficulty initiating or starting urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
If a patient's diagnosis is delayed to the point where they are experiencing painless retention of urine and possible overflow incontinence, decompression surgery may be less likely to bring about recovery of function.
The window of opportunity for diagnosis and surgery can be small and it is therefore crucial that medical professionals act promptly when they have any suspicion that their patient may be developing cauda equina syndrome.
Claiming compensation for medical negligence
A delay in diagnosis and treatment can mean that a patient who may otherwise have recovered lower body function, in fact suffers double incontinence for the rest of their life.
If medical professionals are regarded as having been responsible for this appalling outcome, because red flag symptoms were missed, a claim for compensation can provide recompense for the financial losses experienced by the patient. This may, for example, be a loss of earnings due to reduced capacity to work.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of cauda equina syndrome due to a failure by medical professionals to act on your bladder symptoms, contact Glynns today to discuss the suitability of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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