Cauda Equina Syndrome Negligence: Bilateral Leg Symptoms
If a patient attends their medical practitioner with pain in both legs as well as the lower back, they may be considered to be the victim of medical negligence if they do not receive a referral for an immediate MRI scan.
Cauda equina syndrome
If someone is suffering pain in the lower back and one leg, they may be developing cauda equina syndrome, but it may also not be the case. They may be suffering with sciatica. However, if their symptoms start to progress to the other leg and elsewhere in the lower body, the likelihood that they have CES is greater and an emergency MRI scan may be required.
A delay in referring a patient for an emergency MRI scan may mean that their symptoms deteriorate before they access surgery and they may be left with a lifetime of shocking and debilitating symptoms. The permanent effects of complete cauda equina syndrome can include loss of mobility as well as incontinence of both bladder and bowel.
The impact on a person's life in terms of independence, employment and mental health can be significant.
Diagnosing cauda equina syndrome
If a patient attends their GP or Accident and Emergency with pain and possible altered sensation in the lower back and one leg, it is important that they are thoroughly examined and assessed for any additional symptoms which might suggest that they are developing cauda equina syndrome. Such symptoms would include the following:
- That they are also experiencing pain, tingling or altered sensation in their second leg
- That their sensation in the saddle area between the legs has altered
- That they are experiencing difficulties when urinating such as a poor flow or having to strain to commence or compete urination
- That they are developing numbness around the anus and buttocks
These additional symptoms might indicate that their cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the back are coming under pressure for some reason. As these nerves become compressed, their ability to recognise sensation and initiate muscle action in the lower body becomes compromised. A delay in diagnosing and treating this compression can leave the nerves permanently damaged and unable to function.
Bilateral sciatica-like symptoms, therefore, are not only a possible sign of cauda equina syndrome, but should act as a prompt to a medical practitioner that the patient may require emergency treatment.
A failure to understand and respond appropriately to this situation may be regarded as negligent.
If the patient suffers long-term disability as a result of the delay in diagnosis and treatment, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Legal advice
Contact Glynns Solicitors if you or a loved one are struggling with the horrific impact of cauda equina syndrome due to medical failings.
We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in cauda equina syndrome compensation claims and one of our team of experienced 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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