Compensation for Misdiagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome
A misdiagnosis of the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can have a permanent and life-changing impact on the patient. It may also justify a claim for compensation.
The significance of timing in the diagnosis of CES
Cauda equina syndrome is the result of compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine. As the compression increases over time, the nerves lose their ability to function. The cauda equina nerves are crucial to the effective delivery of messages of sensation and movement between the brain and the lower body. Therefore, the more time which passes between the onset of symptoms and the initiation of decompression surgery, the worse the patient's outcome is likely to be.
Consequently, a misdiagnosis, which delays an accurate diagnosis and delivery of surgical treatment, can result in the patient suffering significant loss of function which would not have been the case with an earlier diagnosis.
Symptoms of complete cauda equina syndrome
A patient whose surgery for CES is delayed may suffer long-term loss of lower body function including the following symptoms:
- Loss of control of the bowel
- Loss of control of the bladder
- Loss of sexual function
- Loss of mobility
This appalling combination of debilitating symptoms can deprive an individual of their ability to work and their ability to function independently.
It can also, not surprisingly, cause significant psychological distress.
Causes of misdiagnosis
A misdiagnosis of the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can occur for a couple of different reasons:
- The relevant medical professional may not recognise that the patient's symptoms could be indicative of early cauda equina syndrome, leading them to suggest an alternative explanation such as sciatica
- A medical professional may not carry out a thorough assessment of the patient, meaning that symptoms indicative of CES are missed
- A misinterpretation of the MRI scan results may mean that compression of the cauda equina nerves is not diagnosed
If a medical professional has misdiagnosed your symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, prompting a delay in surgery and a poor long-term outcome, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a legal specialist
Cauda equina syndrome compensation claims are extremely complex and require the expertise of a specialist lawyer.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with long-standing experience of high-value CES compensation claims.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking impact of a misdiagnosis of cauda equina compression, contact us to talk to a specialist lawyer, free of charge, about the possibility of 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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