Compensation for Misdiagnosed Spinal Nerve Damage
A misdiagnosis of lower back pain can leave a patient with permanent disabling symptoms and justify a claim for compensation.
Nerve compression in the lower back
Lower back pain may be an indication that an individual is developing compression of the cauda equina nerves. These crucial nerves provide a conduit for communication between the lower body and the brain. If they cease to function, a person can lose both sensation and control in the lower body, and face a lifetime of double incontinence, loss of sexual function and loss of mobility.
A patient who attends their GP or Accident and Emergency facility with pain in the lower back and leg may be suffering from sciatica. It is also possible, however, that a ruptured or prolapsed disc in the lumbar region of the spine is starting to push against their cauda equina nerves causing loss of nerve function and neurological symptoms. As time passes, the pressure on the nerves is likely to increase, as is the loss of function.
Assessing the patient for CES
In order to identify this problem and achieve a timely diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome, where relevant, the patient needs to be thoroughly assessed by their medical professional for any symptoms suggestive of this appalling condition.
Should those symptoms be present, the patient then requires an MRI scan to confirm compression of the cauda equina nerves as the underlying cause.
If the following red flag symptoms are present, the patient may require an emergency scan:
- Altered sensation or loss of sensation in the saddle region
- Bilateral leg symptoms
- Altered bladder and urinary experience such as having to strain to urinate or loss of awareness of needing to urinate
A failure on the part of medical professionals to carry out a thorough assessment of the patient or a failure to recognise the need for an emergency referral if symptoms are present may be regarded as negligent.
Crucially, such a failure may leave the patient with permanent disability. Their ability to remain independent may be compromised and their ability to work may be reduced. This combination of distressing effects may cause significant financial problems.
Claiming compensation
A successful compensation claim will take into account the financial losses caused by the medical negligence.
However, compensation claims for cauda equina negligence are extremely complex and require the skills of a specialist lawyer.
Glynns Solicitors are specialists in medical negligence compensation. Contact us today if you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of cauda equina syndrome due to a misdiagnosis of spinal damage.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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