Cauda Equina Misdiagnosis and Claiming Compensation
Misdiagnosis of cauda equina compression can be life-changing and may justify a claim for compensation.
Delayed cauda equina compression diagnosis
Diagnosis of cauda equina compression may trigger the need for emergency surgery. A failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis will inevitably bring about a delay in surgery and can leave the patient with far worse symptoms than would have been the case with earlier diagnosis and surgery.
Long-term symptoms of complete cauda equina syndrome
Compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine will lead to increasing dysfunction in the lower body. These sensation and function losses could include the following:
- Bowel dysfunction and incontinence
- Bladder dysfunction and incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of mobility or paralysis
Because of the progressive nature of this condition and the severity of the associated symptoms, a prompt diagnosis and timely surgery are essential in maintaining the integrity of the patient's lower body function.
Medical negligence in the diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome
A misdiagnosis of the possible symptoms can produce a catalogue of negative consequences which contribute to a poor long-term outcome:
- A delay in a correct diagnosis, leading to a delay in treatment
- A failure to make an urgent referral for an MRI scan, causing a delay in a confirmed diagnosis
- A failure to provide the patient with red flag warnings, meaning that the patient may not go to hospital if these severe symptoms develop
- A delay in surgery, meaning that the patient's nerve compression and loss of function may have worsened in the intervening delay
Claiming compensation
If a misdiagnosis of the patient's symptoms leads the patient to suffer a worse outcome than would have been the case had they received a prompt and accurate diagnosis, the patient would be legally entitled to claim compensation for the negative effects of the negligence.
Understandably, symptoms of incontinence and loss of mobility will have a dramatic impact on a person's quality of life, their ability to earn a living and their ability to function effectively and independently in their own home.
The financial impact of this appalling scenario can be included in a claim for compensation where it can be demonstrated that the effects have been caused by medical negligence.
The first step in this complicated process is to talk to a specialist medical negligence lawyer. They will be able to access the best medical experts who will assess the quality of the patient's care and identify if there has been a breach of duty and, if so, what its impact has been on the patient.
Legal specialists
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a misdiagnosis of cauda equina syndrome, contact Glynns Solicitors. Specialists in medical negligence compensation, with an extensive history of high-value CES settlements, one of our experienced solicitors will be very happy to talk to you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
