Cauda Equina Compression and Medical Negligence Claims
Compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine can be a medical emergency. A failure by medical professionals to recognise and respond to the red flag symptoms may justify a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina compression
The cauda equina nerves are crucial to effective lower body function. If these vital nerves become compressed or squashed, an individual will start to lose control over their mobility, their sexual function and their bowel and bladder function. As the compression worsens, so will its impact on the person's lower body. Eventually, an individual can suffer compete loss of mobility and double incontinence.
Medical assessment
Early diagnosis and surgery are essential to give the patient the best chance of a good long-term outcome. A delay in diagnosis and surgery may be regarded as negligent.
Compression of the cauda equina nerves may not be obvious at an early stage. Symptoms of lower back and leg pain may be due to sciatica for example. It is essential, therefore, that a medical professional checks for any additional signs or symptoms which might suggest that the cauda equina nerves are the underlying problem. Where no red flag symptoms are present, it would be appropriate to warn a patient with lower back and leg pain of the red flag symptoms and the need to attend hospital immediately should those symptoms develop.
- A failure to make a thorough assessment of the patient may be regarded as negligent
- A failure to recognise or suspect the red flag symptoms of cauda equina and a failure to make a referral for an MRI scan could be regarded as negligent
- A failure to warn a patient of the red flag symptoms could be regarded as negligent.
Red flag symptoms
The symptoms which might suggest that the patient is suffering compression of the cauda equina nerves would include the following:
- Bilateral leg symptoms rather than in just one leg
- Altered sensation in the saddle area and around the buttocks
- Altered urinary flow, struggling to empty the bladder
- Altered bladder sensation
- Altered bowel experience
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are suffering long-term difficulties due to substandard medical care of cauda equina compression, speak to Glynns Solicitors.
Cauda equina compensation claims are extremely complex and, as specialists in this field, we are ideally placed to support your claim and enlist the advice of the best medical experts.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist lawyer about your situation and 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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