Cauda Equina Syndrome: CESI to CESR Due to Medical Negligence
The period when a patient is developing cauda equina syndrome but before their condition becomes complete is crucial in giving the patient the best possible chance of recovery and minimal disability. Where medical delays allow the patient to deteriorate to CESR prior to surgery, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
How do CESI and CESR differ?
CESI, or incomplete cauda equina syndrome, is the stage at which the patient is suffering lower body symptoms due to compression of the cauda equina nerves but still retains some sensation and muscle function. The patient may be experiencing pain and tingling in the lower back and legs. They may be experiencing altered sensation in the saddle area between the legs and around the buttocks. They may be aware that their urinary function has changed and they are finding it difficult to empty the bladder. These are signs that the nerves are coming under pressure but the patient still retains some nerve function.
CESR
CESR refers to the point by which the patient has lost bladder sensation and is experiencing painless retention of urine. There may be overflow incontinence if their bladder becomes full. Loss of sexual function, bowel function and lower limb mobility are also features of this complete form of cauda equina syndrome.
If surgery is carried out after the patient has reached this point of dysfunction, it is generally agreed that the patient is less likely to experience recovery of function and their symptoms may become permanent.
Medical negligence
The extreme severity of permanent CESR symptoms warrant the most skilled and timely attention of medical professionals.
As cauda equina syndrome is generally a progressive condition, it means that there is often an opportunity to diagnose this appalling condition before all function is lost. Every effort should be made to achieve this.
If medical professionals fail to recognise the possible symptoms, delay in arranging the necessary MRI scan or delay in commencing surgery, allowing the patient's condition to deteriorate to CESR prior to surgery, they may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
Where the patient suffers on-going difficulties as a result of the negligence, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a specialist lawyer
Compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome are highly complex and require the skills of a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of CESR due to poor-quality medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in cauda equina syndrome claims.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of this condition due to medical negligence, contact us to speak with a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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