Caude Equina Patient Awarded Six Figure Compensation Due to Multiple GP Failings
With increasing pain in his lower back and legs, and the development of additional cauda equina symptoms, Michael visited his GP surgery repeatedly. A combination of failings by more than one GP meant that, by the time he attended hospital, his cauda equina syndrome symptoms had become both permanent and disabling.
Michael turned to Glynns for help.
A patient with lower back pain and sciatica style symptoms needs to be assessed to rule out the possibility of cauda equina compression. They should be advised of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and the need to visit hospital immediately should those symptoms develop. If the patient is already exhibiting those symptoms, they should be referred for an MRI scan.
Unfortunately for Michael, this level of care did not happen.
Even though he repeatedly advised his GPs that his symptoms were worsening, he did not always undergo examination nor was he given red flag advice.
Our GP expert pointed out that a patient with these symptoms should be reminded of the red flag cauda equina compression advice every time they see their GP about their worsening lower body symptoms.
Despite the assertion by the GP that such advice was given, it is clear that, had our client been advised of the relevant symptoms and the need to attend hospital as a matter of emergency, he would have gone to hospital when those symptoms developed. He was extremely concerned about his deteriorating condition and anxious to engage with as much medical help as possible.
At one point during this distressing experience, Michael made it clear that his leg symptoms were now affecting both legs. This is an indicator of possible cauda equina compression and yet he did not receive the appropriate referral or advice. Instead he was told to await his pre-existing orthopaedic appointment.
Shortly afterwards, Michael realised that his perineal sensation had changed and, yet again, went to see a GP. This new development should have alerted his GP to possible cauda equina compression but a thorough assessment was not carried out and Michael was given pain management advice instead.
Had Michael been advised at this point that this was a possible symptom of cauda equina nerve compression, he would have gone to Accident and Emergency.
Our surgery expert advised that attendance at hospital at this point, where nerve compression should have been diagnosed, would have led to emergency surgery and a full recovery.
This did not happen.
A few days later, Michael's appalling and painful symptoms deteriorated still further as he started to experience difficulty with urinating, a key red flag for compression of the cauda equina nerves. A transcript of his conversation with NHS 111 that day identifies that this was a concern for Michael but, when he later spoke with the GP, the assumption was made that he was still suffering from sciatica and he was only given further medication advice.
Two days later, unable to pass urine at all, Michael called an ambulance on the advice of an NHS 111 doctor. An MRI scan identified nerve compression and he underwent emergency surgery.
Unfortunately, his symptoms had become irreversible by this time and he now struggles with poor mobility and pain as well as severe bladder and bowel problems. He is no longer able to work and needs to use a wheelchair when he leaves his home, where he is restricted to the ground floor.
Not surprisingly, Michael is appalled at the consistently poor quality care he received at the hands of his local GPs and, with the support of Glynns Solicitors, has fought hard for compensation.
He was awarded in excess of £750,000.00.
(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)
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