CES Nerve Dysfunction and Compensation for Medical Negligence
A delay by medical professionals in recognising and treating compression of the cauda equina nerves can cause severe disability and may justify a claim for compensation.
Causes of cauda equina nerve dysfunction
The cauda equina nerves are located at the base of the spine in the lumbar region of the back. They can become compressed or squashed due to a number of other medical conditions. The main cause of compression is as a result of a ruptured or herniated disc which presses on the nerve. Other possible causes include a tumour or inflammation in the region of the nerve.
Effects of cauda equina nerve dysfunction
The cauda equina nerves are responsible for relaying messages of sensation from receptors in the lower body to the brain, as well as initiating movement in the muscles lower body.
Consequently, any damage to the nerves is going to cause impairment in either or both of those crucial functions. The range of symptoms and function losses caused by cauda equina compression can include the following:
- Altered sensation in the legs
- Loss of ankle reflexes
- Altered sensation in the saddle area
- Altered sexual sensation and function
- Altered urinary function and bladder sensation
- Altered bowel sensation and function
If diagnosis and surgery are delayed, a patient may deteriorate to the point where they suffer double incontinence and loss of mobility.
The implications of this degree of function loss on the life of the patient are wide-ranging and potentially devastating. The patient may struggle to work and remain independent. They may require significant alterations to their home and become reliant on care.
Medical management of cauda equina nerve dysfunction
From the above description it is clear that timely medical diagnosis and management of this shocking condition is crucial to a positive long-term outcome. If medical professionals cause delays, thereby allowing the patient's condition to worsen, they may be regarded as negligent and the patient may be able to make a claim for compensation for the impact of those delays.
Negligent medical care may occur at the point of initial examination, diagnosis, referral, provision of an MRI scan or surgery.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one have been the victim of negligent medical care relating to cauda equina compression, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law. All of our solicitors offer extensive expertise in cauda equina claims and will be very happy to discuss your situation the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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