CES: Substandard Red Flag Assessment in Accident and Emergency
A patient with the lower back and leg pain of cauda equina syndrome may present at Accident and Emergency. However, a failure to assess them for the red flag symptoms of this shocking condition may mean that the necessary emergency surgery is delayed.
Cauda equina red flag symptoms
Patients with incomplete cauda equina syndrome require emergency surgery. Their cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine need to be decompressed before further nerve function loss occurs and the patient is permanently disabled.
However, this will not happen if the patient does not undergo an assessment for the red flag symptoms of this disabling condition.
If a patient attends Accident and Emergency with lower back and leg pain, the following symptoms need to be ruled out:
- Bilateral leg symptoms
- Loss of sensation in the saddle area between the legs
- Altered sexual function or sensation
- Altered bladder function or sensation
- Altered bowel function
- Loss of feeling around the anus and buttocks
- Altered function of the ankle reflexes
If the patient does not receive such an assessment, the relevant medical professionals may be considered to have provided only substandard care.
If the patient subsequently develops complete cauda equina syndrome, suffering permanent disability, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Red flags and safety-netting
If a patient with lower back pain is examined and not found to have symptoms which might indicate cauda equina syndrome, this does not necessarily mean that they will not develop these symptoms.
It is essential that the patient is warned of the red flag symptoms above and the need to attend hospital as a matter of emergency should they start to experience them.
A failure to warn the patient of the significance of these symptoms might again be regarded as poor-quality care. A patient may find that they have been discharged without red flag advice and fail to understand the significance when they start to experience bladder problems.
Speak to a solicitor
The impact of complete cauda equina syndrome is distressing and disabling. If you or a loved one are experiencing the severe difficulties associated with complete cauda equina syndrome due to medical short-comings, contact Glynns Solicitors.
It might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation and one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors will be very happy to discuss your situation with you.
Please call us 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
