Clinical Negligence in Cauda Equina Syndrome Diagnosis
Negligence in the course of making a diagnosis for cauda equina syndrome can be utterly life-changing. This shocking condition can cause severe lower body disability and, where clinical negligence has played a part, can justify a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina compression diagnosis failings
Cauda equina syndrome is a fairly rare condition caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine. Diagnosis needs to be achieved at the earliest possible moment to ensure that medical intervention and treatment occur before the patient suffers further compression of the nerve and further loss of function.
Failings by medical practitioners during the course of diagnosis which can cause a delay to occur and which might subsequently be regarded as having caused the patient to suffer a deterioration of their condition could include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of the patient for symptoms and signs of cauda equina compression such as altered saddle sensation, altered urinary sensation and experience, bilateral pain and sensory symptoms
- A failure to recognise that the patients symptoms and signs may be indicative of compression of the cauda equina nerves and resulting in a misdiagnosis. This is likely to cause a delay in achieving an accurate diagnosis and may allow the patient's condition to worsen prior to surgery
- A failure to make a timely referral for an MRI scan or a failure to make any referral, causing a delay in diagnosis and surgery
- A delay in carrying out an MRI scan or a failure to transfer a patient to suitable facilities, thereby delaying diagnosis and surgery
Making a claim for compensation
The key issue as far as compensation is concerned is where a delay in diagnosis for any of the above reasons, allows the patient's condition to worsen prior to surgery, resulting in a worse and more-debilitating long-term outcome than would have been the case with a timely and competent clinical response.
In such circumstances, the patient may be able to make a claim for compensation for the consequences which they have suffered, and which they would not have suffered had earlier diagnosis and intervention been achieved. The symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can be severely disabling and a successful compensation can reflect the extent to which the patient's quality of life has been undermined.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you believe that you have been the victim of negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in cauda equina syndrome compensation law. One of our solicitors will be happy to talk to you about your situation and advise the best way forward.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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