Compensation for Delayed Lumbar Decompression
If a patient needs to undergo decompression of the lumbar region of the spine, it may be that they are developing cauda equina syndrome. A delay at this point could be crucial to the patient's long-term outcome and may justify a claim for compensation.
Surgery and cauda equina syndrome
A patient who is developing cauda equina syndrome is likely to require surgical decompression of the spine. This is because their cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine have become squashed or compressed by some local cause and, unless the pressure is removed, the patient will lose significant function in their lower body.
Such surgery can be a matter of emergency if the patient's degree of nerve compression means that they still retain some function. Although the patient may be experiencing some loss of sensation and function, and pain in the lower body, if they still have some bladder function and sensation, there is a chance that emergency surgery may bring about recovery. The patient might be described as having incomplete cauda equina syndrome.
Once the patient's diagnosis has been confirmed with an MRI scan, surgery may be required within a matter of hours rather than days if they are to have a good outcome. If medical professionals fail to understand the need for an emergency response or fail to organise surgery within the necessary timeframe, they may be considered to have acted negligently.
If the patient subsequently suffers a worse long-term outcome, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation. This would be the case if the patient's nerve compression and loss of function had worsened during the delay before surgery, leaving them with a lifetime of disability.
If the patient had already lost bladder sensation (complete cauda equina syndrome) prior to attending their medical practitioner, surgery may not be considered as such an emergency. Recovery of function is probably already less likely because the cauda equina nerve compression is already advanced.
Legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome due to a delay in organising decompression surgery, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for pain, suffering and associated financial losses.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation claims, to discuss your situation with an experienced solicitor.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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