Cauda Equina Syndrome: Hospital Negligence
If an individual attends their local hospital with the possible early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, it is essential that they receive the appropriate response.
Assessment
A failure to make a thorough assessment of a patient can lead to them being sent home with a misdiagnosis, a false reassurance about their condition and no safety-netting in place.
If the patient is presenting with pain in the lower back and down a leg, it is vital that medical professionals assess whether the patient does, in fact, have additional signs or symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. The patient's urinary experience, their sensation in the saddle area and around the buttocks, and the degree of sensation in their other leg should all be taken into consideration. It may be appropriate for the patient to undergo a pin prick test and a straight leg raising test in order to assess for any symptoms.
A failure to carry out a thorough examination may mean that signs of cauda equina nerve dysfunction are missed and an opportunity to bring about recovery may be lost.
Red flag warnings
If the patient does not show symptoms suggestive of cauda equina syndrome, it is still important that they should be advised as to what symptoms they should look out for. They need to understand that, if those symptoms start to occur it is crucial that they return to hospital immediately.
MRI Scans
If there is any suggestion that the patient may, in fact, be developing cauda equina syndrome, it is likely that they will need an emergency MRI scan. It is the responsibility of the hospital to arrange for this to take place in a timely manner. If there is a suspicion of CES, this shold take place in a matter of hours. If the hospital does not have the necessary resources for this to occur, they should arrange for the patient to be transferred to another suitable hospital as a matter of urgency.
Surgical decompression
If the patient is developing cauda equina syndrome they may need emergency surgery to decompress the nerve in the spine. If they still retain some bladder awareness and function, such surgery is considered to be necessary within hours rather than days.
A delay in arranging surgery within an appropriate timeframe, may mean that the patient's symptoms deteriorate and the chance of recovery is reduced.
It may also mean that the relevant medical practitioners are regarded as having provided substandard care.
If the patient subsequently suffers a poor long-term outcome as a result of delays in arranging surgery, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
Contact Glynns Solicitors if you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of cauda equina syndrome due to poor medical care.
We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice and one of our team of solicitors will be very happy to talk to you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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