Compensation for Continuing Symptoms after CES Surgery
Cauda equina syndrome can leave the patient with a variety of life-changing and distressing symptoms. These include double incontinence and loss of mobility. If delays by medical professionals have meant that you are now suffering these symptoms, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
The speed with which a diagnosis is achieved and surgery commenced can be absolutely crucial when a patient is developing cauda equina syndrome.
The severity of the symptoms of this appalling condition mean that relevant medical professionals should be able to recognise the early and red flag symptoms and understand the need for an urgent or emergency response.
A failure to understand the significance of cauda equina dysfunction can leave the patient with permanent neurological problems and loss of lower body function.
The significance of timing
If a patient's condition is diagnosed promptly enough, it is possible that surgical decompression of their cauda equina nerves will bring about relief of symptoms and possible recovery. In order for this to occur, the patient's condition needs to be diagnosed before they start to suffer painless retention of urine. This means that their bladder may be full and they may need to urinate but, because they have lost bladder sensation, the patient is not aware of this fact. They may suffer incontinence.
Once the patient has reached this stage, surgery, although necessary, may be less successful in bringing about an improvement in symptoms.
Ideally, the patient needs a diagnosis whilst they are only suffering the following symptoms:
- Lower back and leg pain, tingling or numbness
- Altered or reduced sensation in the saddle area
- Altered urinary sensation such as difficulty in starting to urinate or emptying the bladder
A patient with these symptoms probably requires an emergency MRI scan to confirm that they are suffering from compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine.
If diagnosis is delayed at this point, and the patient's condition deteriorates before surgery is undertaken, the medical practitioner responsible for the delay may be regarded as responsible for the patient's subsequent symptoms and poor outcome.
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the pain, suffering and financial impact of the symptoms caused by the delay in diagnosis and surgery.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the terrible symptoms of complete cauda equina syndrome due to a delay in diagnosis, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to one of our team of specialist medical negligence claims.
We have extensive experience of highly-successful cauda equina syndrome compensation claims and will be very happy to help 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
