CES Bladder/Bowel Symptoms
Cauda equina syndrome causes neurological issues, including bladder and bowel symptoms. In this article we explore the bladder and bowel symptoms of cauda equina syndrome in more detail.
CES bladder symptoms
Cauda equina syndrome can cause the following bladder symptoms:
- Poor flow when urinating
- Needing to stand, push/press on the bladder to urinate
- Reduced sensation when urinating
- Retention of urine in the bladder
- Not knowing when the bladder is full
- Painless incontinence
CES bowel symptoms
Cauda equina syndrome can cause the following bowel symptoms:
- Constipation
- Incontinence
- Poor anal tone
- Loss of sensation around the anus
- Not being able to feel the passing of a stool
Progression of symptoms
Bladder and bowel symptoms arise because the cauda equina nerves are being compressed and damaged. The cauda equina nerves provide sensation and function to the bladder, urethra, rectum and anal sphincters. Therefore when the nerves are damaged by compression, both function and sensation in these areas will be lost.
Furthermore, cauda equina syndrome can cause severe back and leg pain, for which the patient may be taking strong analgesics. These can cause constipation.
Unless treatment is provided to decompress the nerves, the damage will become increasingly severe. This means a patient's symptoms will continue to deteriorate as time goes on. For instance, there may initially be poor urinary flow, but this can evolve until the patient has a total loss of sensation with incontinence.
Decompression surgery
To stop the progression of bladder and bowel symptoms, decompression surgery must be carried out. This involves the removal of whatever is compressing the nerves - normally a large central disc prolapse.
Cauda equina syndrome can result in severe neurological impairment if not treated. This can happen within days of the onset of symptoms, so it is a very fast-moving condition that requires immediate attention. Therefore decompression surgery is needed on an emergency basis, meaning the same day or early the following morning if the patient is admitted late at night.
Permanent bladder/bowel symptoms after cauda equina
Sadly there are times when medical practitioners do not act quickly enough, causing a patient to suffer permanent bladder and bowel symptoms. If this has happened to you, you could be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation against those at fault.
To find out more about claiming compensation for cauda equina syndrome, please get in touch with our cauda equina lawyers. We offer an initial consultation free of charge and free of obligation.
Expert legal advice
To find out if you can claim for cauda equina syndrome, please contact us at Glynns Solicitors. We specialise in cauda equina claims and can provide professional legal advice.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
