Cauda Equina Spinal Emergency Misdiagnosed
Cauda equina syndrome may require emergency spinal surgery. A failure by medical professionals to understand and arrange this may justify a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina spinal emergency
There are a number of reasons why cauda equina syndrome can be a medical emergency:
- The cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine can become squashed or compressed by a variety of conditions around the spine such as a tumour or a herniated disc. A delay in medical attention and surgery may mean that the nerve damage becomes permanent.
- The cauda equina nerves are responsible for sensation and initiation of function in much of the lower body. If the patient loses permanent cauda equina nerve function, they may face a lifetime of bowel and bladder incontinence, sexual dysfunction and loss of mobility.
- Cauda equina syndrome is a progressive condition. Although it can occur acutely, it is often a gradual progression of symptoms. This can mean that a patient who may have incomplete cauda equina syndrome on Friday and still retains some control and awareness of bladder function, may have lost all sensation and function by Sunday. Had the urgency of the patient's condition been recognised and treated by medical professionals on the Saturday, the patient would probably still retain their lower body function.
It is clear, therefore, that a failure to recognise the possible implications of a patient's signs and symptoms, leading to a misdiagnosis, may prove catastrophic. A cauda equina syndrome life sentence may well mean a loss of employment, increasing isolation, an inability to do so many of the activities that the patient once took for granted, and permanent dependency on physical and emotional support.
If a patient attends their GP or Accident and Emergency facility with symptoms which might suggest a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome, they may require an emergency referral for an MRI scan.
A misdiagnosis, such as sciatica or muscular strain, is likely to lead to a delay in investigation, diagnosis and surgery, leaving the patient vulnerable to complete cauda equina syndrome and permanent disability.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are suffering with the appalling long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome due to a misdiagnosis, you will need specialist legal advice. Compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome negligence are often extremely complex, requiring the input of skilled experts.
Here at Glynns we have many years' experience of supporting cauda equina syndrome patients in pursuing highly-successful compensation claims. Contact us today to talk to one of our team of specialist medical negligence solicitors.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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