Cauda Equina Syndrome Pathway Errors and Claiming Compensation
Failing to implement the CES pathway may cause a patient to suffer permanent disability and may justify a claim for compensation.
CES Pathway Guidelines
The GIRFT 'National Suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome Pathway' states that 'an emergency referral to the nearest facility with Emergency MRI provision is warranted for a patient presenting with leg pain and/or back pain with a suggestion of recent onset or deterioration of any of the following:
- Difficulty initiating micturition (urination) or impaired sensation of flow
- Altered perianal, perineal or genital sensation
- Sever or progressive neurological deficit of both legs
- Loss of sensation of rectal fullness
- Sexual dysfunction
Why is it important?
Compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine can cause severe and permanent lower body disability including double incontinence, loss of mobility and sexual dysfunction.
Because this is a progressive condition, meaning that the compression often worsens over time, it may be possible for an early diagnosis to trigger surgical intervention and for the patient to experience some recovery and the prevention of further deterioration.
Conversely, a failure of diagnosis, a misdiagnosis, a failure to examine or a delay in making a referral for an MRI scan may all contribute to a life-changing delay in surgery, leaving the patient with disabling lower body symptoms.
Claiming compensation for the consequences
If a patient suffers adverse consequences as a result of medical negligence, they are legally entitled to claim compensation.
For example, an individual suffering with double incontinence may struggle to work and a successful claim would include their loss of earnings, both past and future.
Equally, if a person is struggling to function safely in their own home due to a loss of mobility, the costs of adapting their home to accommodate their needs could be incorporated into a claim.
The first thing to do is to speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor who will obtain your medical records and undertake an investigation into the quality of your medical care.
Bear in mind that there is a time deadline associated with these claims. Speak to a legal expert at the first opportunity.
Specialist legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of high-value cauda equina claims.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of this appalling condition due to negligent medical care, contact us to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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