Cauda Equina Compression Negligence and Compensation
If you are suffering with cauda equina syndrome, you may be wondering if the standard of medical care you received contributed to your poor outcome. Here we consider the issue of cauda equina compression and the problem of negligent medical care.
Cauda equina nerve compression
The cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine can become compressed or squashed due to a variety of conditions. The most likely cause is a ruptured or herniated disc in the lower back which is pushing against the nerve. Unfortunately, this will cause the nerve to malfunction, reducing its ability to pass messages of sensation and movement between the brain and the lower body.
As a result, the individual affected may start to notice loss of sensation in the lower body. In the early stages, this may affect the legs and the saddle area between the legs and around the buttocks. They may also experience changes in their bladder function, finding it difficult to empty the bladder.
The urgency of a diagnosis
At this stage, diagnosis and treatment can be regarded as a medical emergency. As the compression of the nerves increases over time, the patient will experience greater function loss. They may eventually suffer double incontinence and loss of lower body mobility. The sooner a confirmed diagnosis is achieved and the sooner the patient undergoes surgery, the better their outcome is likely to be.
Therefore, any delay in diagnosis due to negligence on the part of a medical professional may condemn the patient to a lifetime of disability and may justify a claim for compensation.
Patients who suffer due to poor quality medical care are legally entitled to claim compensation for the impact on their lives.
Negligent medical care of cauda equina compression
Negligence often relates to the process of diagnosis and the timing of surgery to decompress the nerves including the following examples:
- A failure to recognise the possible early symptoms of cauda equina compression such as leg pain and altered sensation as well as altered perineal sensation or urinary experience
- A failure to make a timely referral for further investigation
- A failure to provide the patient with red flag warnings of symptoms which should warrant an immediate visit to hospital
- A delay in carrying out an MRI scan or in initiating surgery.
Claiming compensation
If you are struggling with the consequences of cauda equina syndrome, such as loss of income, due to failings in medical care, speak to a legal specialist.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise cauda equina syndrome and associated claims.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about your situation and the possibility 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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