Cauda Equina Dysfunction Medical Negligence
Compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine can be utterly life-changing and often needs to be diagnosed and treated as a matter of emergency.
What is cauda equina dysfunction?
The cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine are responsible for exchanging messages of sensation and movement between the lower body and the brain.
They control bowel and bladder function as well as mobility in the lower limbs.
If these crucial nerves become compressed, they can lose their ability to function.
This can mean that the individual affected loses their awareness of sensation in the bowel, bladder, sexual organs and legs. They may also lose the ability to initiate muscle movement in those regions, gradually losing control of the bowel and bladder. In the long term, they may require the use of crutches or a wheelchair.
The impact of cauda equina dysfunction
A once-healthy person can be rendered severely disabled by this appalling condition where the nerves may have been squashed by a herniated disc or tumour.
Their ability to earn a living may be reduced and their ability to function independently may be compromised. Their home may become almost impossible to navigate, requiring significant adaptations to be carried out.
The psychological impact can also be dramatic as they struggle to come to terms with a future other than what they had anticipated.
Diagnosing the problem
For these reasons, it is crucial that medical professionals recognise the possible early symptoms of this horrific condition and arrange for the necessary investigations to be undertaken as a matter of emergency.
A delay in diagnosis and surgery can be catastrophic.
Symptoms which might indicate that the patient is developing cauda equina dysfunction include the following:
- Sciatica-like symptoms of pain and tingling in both legs rather than one
- Altered sensation in the saddle area and sexual organs
- Changes in experience when urinating such as a poor flow or difficulty starting to urinate or empty the bladder
- Reduced awareness of needing to urinate
- Altered bowel sensation function
Medical negligence
It is essential that medical professionals are alert to the implication sof these symptoms. A misdiagnosis or delay in referring a patient for an MRI scan can lead to permanent lower body dysfunction.
Where the patient suffers long-term difficulties as a result of the negligence, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Seek legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking impact of cauda equina dysfunction due to substandard medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors. We are specialists in medical negligence compensation with extensive experience in cauda equina claims. One of our team of expert lawyers will be very happy to discuss your situation with you.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of this condition due to medical negligence, contact us to speak with a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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