Cauda Equina Syndrome Causes
Diagnosing the cause of neurological dysfunction due to cauda equina syndrome is only half the battle. Ensuring that the patient receives prompt surgical treatment is key to achieving the best possible outcome.
Why do you have cauda equina syndrome?
Cauda equine syndrome is a condition of the lower back caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves due to a localised cause.
This underlying cause may be one of a range of different illnesses or conditions:
- The most likely cause of cauda equina compression is the herniation or rupturing of an intervertebral disc, also described as having a prolapsed disc. What this means is that the substance normally found in the interior of a spinal disc travels through a tear to the exterior of the disc and begins to push against the nerve or spinal cord, causing it to become squashed or compressed.
- A tumour in the region of the spine may also press on the spinal cord and cause compression of the nerves with subsequent neurological dysfunction
- Inflammation of the spine such as ankylosing spondylitis can cause compression of the nerves
- Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord often associated with aging, can also cause nerve compression
- A spinal abscess can cause swelling and impact on the functioning of the nerves
Why do you have complete cauda equina syndrome?
This may be a different question to the one posed above. It's possible that you now have complete cauda equina syndrome when, had your medical management been different, you would only have incomplete cauda equina syndrome and fewer, possibly far fewer, on-going symptoms.
If your early symptoms were not recognised or were misdiagnosed by medical professionals, it is likely that your condition did not receive treatment with the urgency that is often required.
If your MRI scan and decompression surgery were delayed, it is possible that your poor outcome is due to medical negligence. In this scenario, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are a loved one are suffering with the appalling, on-going symptoms associated with cauda equine syndrome such as bowel and bladder dysfunction, talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
We have supported numerous claims for cauda equine syndrome mismanagement and will be happy to advise you regarding the possibility of a making a claim.
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
