Cauda Equina Nerve Compression Delayed Diagnosis and Compensation
If compression in the lumbar region of the spine is delayed, it may leave the patient struggling with permanent disability. It may also justify a claim for compensation.
What is cauda equina nerve compression?
The cauda equina nerves are found in the lumbar region of the back. They are the conduits of sensation messages and movement messages between the brain and the lower back. Compression refers to a situation where a condition locally in the spine, such as a herniated disc or a tumour, pushes on the nerve, reducing its capacity to function.
And why does it matter?
Early diagnosis and treatment of compression of the cauda equina nerves is often a medical emergency. This debilitating condition needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible to ensure that surgery is carried out to decompress the nerves before their function is lost and the patient suffers severe lower body disability.
What may commence as pain in the lower back and legs, alongside altered urinary experience can develop over a short period of time into double incontinence, loss of mobility and loss of sexual function. If the opportunity for surgery is delayed, these symptoms may become permanent.
Medical negligence
If the actions or failings of medical professionals contribute to a delay in diagnosis and surgery, it may be possible to claim compensation for the consequences of that negligence. Unfortunately, a number of scenarios may lead to a delay:
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of the patient, therefore missing key symptoms such as sensation loss in the saddle area
- A failure to recognise that the symptoms may be indicative of nerve compression
- A failure to understand the emergency nature of the patient's situation
- A delay in making a referral for an MRI scan
- A delay in carrying out an MRI scan or a failure to transfer a patient to facilities where a scan could happen
- A delay in reporting the results of an MRI scan
- A misinterpretation of a scan
- A delay in initiating surgery to decompress the nerve
Speak to a legal specialist
If you are considering making a claim for medical negligence, it is essential that you speak to a specialist solicitor. These claims are, not surprisingly, associated with complex procedures and precise deadlines and a failure to adhere to these may lead to the failure of a claim.
Glynns Solicitors are specialists in medical negligence law with a specific focus on cauda equina syndrome claims. Contact us today to talk to an experienced solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
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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