Cauda Equina Syndrome and Negligent Medical Responses
Cauda equina syndrome can be a medical emergency. A failure by medical professionals to understand and respond to symptoms may be life-changing and may justify a claim for compensation.
Worsening symptoms
As a progressive condition, a patient who is exhibiting the early possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome may deteriorate over a very short period of time to the point where recovery of lost lower body function may be unlikely.
Lost function due to cauda equina compression can include the following:
- Loss of ability to control the bowel, causing incontinence of wind and faeces
- Loss of bladder control leading to incontinence of urine
- Loss of sexual sensation and function
- Loss of lower limb mobility
If medical professionals miss an opportunity to diagnose and treat this appalling condition, they may be regarded as negligent.
Substandard medical care of cauda equina syndrome
Prompt diagnosis, referral, MRI scan and surgery are all key to a good patient outcome.
The following delays and negligent actions can leave a patient with permanent symptoms:
- Failing to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome such as bilateral lower limb pain, altered saddle sensation and urinary changes
- Failing to warn a patient of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and the need to attend hospital immediately should they develop
- Failing to make an emergency referral for an MRI scan when it would normally be considered necessary
- Delays by a hospital in arranging and reporting an MRI scan
- Delays in initiating decompression surgery for a patient whose diagnosis of cauda equine syndrome has been confirmed
Claiming compensation
If a patient suffers long-term losses as a result of substandard medical care, they are entitled to make a claim for compensation.
The debilitating symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, such as double incontinence and loss of mobility can cause a significant financial impact.
A patient may find that they can no longer work or that they previous employment is no longer accessible and they they therefore suffer a reduction in income.
They may also struggle to function their present home and require alterations to be carried out or to move to alternative accommodation.
A successful compensation claim will address these issues.
Speak to a specialist
If you or a loved one are facing the on-going impact of cauda equina syndrome due to negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors, the experts in medical negligence law.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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