Cauda Equina Compression Missed in Accident and Emergency
If medical professionals in A&E have failed to provide adequate and appropriate care of cauda equina compression, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation for the difficulties suffered as a result.
Cauda equina compression in Accident & Emergency
If an individual is developing compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine, it is essential that they receive a prompt diagnosis. Cauda equina syndrome is frequently regarded as a medical emergency and a delay in diagnosis and surgery may leave the patient disabled for life.
It is not uncommon for someone with the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome to attend Accident and Emergency. The possible symptoms of lower back and leg pain, alongside altered urinary experience and altered sensation in the saddle area can be alarming. The patient may even have been given red flag warnings by their GP to attend Accident and Emergency should these symptoms develop.
A prompt and appropriate response by the medical professionals in Accident and Emergency is crucial to the patient undergoing surgery within the necessary timeframe if it should prove that they are suffering with compression of the cauda equina nerves.
If the relevant practitioners fail to provide the necessary care, leaving the patient's condition to worsen before an accurate diagnosis is achieved, they may be regarded as having been negligent in their care. Where the patient's long-term outcome has suffered as a result, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Medical failings in cauda equina compression
Medical practitioners in Accident and Emergency may cause a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome due to a number of reasons including the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of the client, thereby missing key symptoms
- A failure to recognise or consider that the patient's symptoms may be indicative of cauda equina compression
- A failure to seek specialist advice in the case of uncertainty
- A delay in referring the patient for an MRI scan to identify the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms
If the patient is discharged home when they should, with an appropriate level of care, be undergoing an MRI scan with a view to possible emergency surgery, the relevant professionals may be regarded as negligent.
If the delay in treatment allows the patient's condition and long-term outcome to worsen, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Call a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in cauda equina syndrome claims.
We can offer No Win No Fee funding for medical negligence claims which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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