Claiming Compensation for GP Missing CESI
The consequences of a medical professional missing the tell-tale signs of incomplete cauda equina syndrome (CESI) are likely to be life-changing for the patient. They may also justify a claim for compensation for the impact of this negligence.
Cauda equina syndrome
Incomplete cauda equina syndrome is called that because an individual with CESI may deteriorate still further to CESR or complete cauda equina syndrome. It is essential that a patient who is showing symptoms of CESI is treated as a matter of emergency to ensure that their cauda equina nerves are decompressed before they suffer any further loss of function.
A patient with complete cauda equina syndrome may suffer some or all of the following appalling symptoms permanently:
- Loss of ability to prevent the passing of wind and faeces
- Loss of ability to sense the need to urinate and loss of control over urination
- Loss of sensation in the perineal area leading to sexual dysfunction
- Loss of mobility
If a patient who is still at the incomplete stage of this shocking condition receives prompt surgery, there is a chance that they will recover lost function or, at least, not suffer any further loss of function.
Incomplete cauda equina syndrome
An individual suffering with incomplete cauda equina syndrome may be exhibiting the following, less drastic symptoms:
- Altered sensation in the saddle area and the buttocks
- Altered experience when urinating such as having to strain
- Pain and altered sensation in both legs
If a patient attends their GP with lower back and leg pain, it is crucial that a thorough assessment is carried out for evidence of the above symptoms. If a GP fails to make such an assessment, the red flag symptoms of incomplete cauda equina syndrome may be missed.
An informed and thorough assessment, however, can ensure that the patient is referred for an emergency MRI scan and, where necessary, undergoes decompression surgery.
Medical negligence
A failure at this point can leave the patient with no idea that they may be facing permanent neurological dysfunction. When they suffer further loss of sensation and function, they may not be aware that they should attend Accident and Emergency immediately. By the time they seek further medical assistance, it may be too late to save their bowel and bladder function.
Surgery for a patient with incomplete cauda equina syndrome is necessary within a matter of hours of the onset of symptoms and a delay of even a couple of days can mean that the patient has lost the chance of recovery.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the appalling permanent impact of complete cauda equina syndrome due to a failure to identify your red flag symptoms, contact Glynns Solicitors.
Here at Glynns we have supported numerous clients in making highly-successful compensation claims for medical negligence related to cauda equina syndrome. Contact us today to talk to one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors about making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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