Compensation for Missed Cauda Equina Bladder Symptoms
If a patient is suffering with lower back and leg pain, it is essential that medical professionals carry out an assessment for possible additional signs or symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. A failure to do so may be regarded as negligent.
Compensation claims
If a patient suffers significant difficulties, including financial losses, due to substandard or negligent medical care, they are entitled to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim would address the pain and suffering experienced as well as compensating the losses which the patient would not have suffered but for the negligence. For example, if the patient is no longer able to work due to negligent medical care, their loss of income would be taken into account.
Failing to spot bladder symptoms
Urinary and bladder symptoms can be key indicators that a patient with lower back pain is developing cauda equina syndrome rather than sciatica.
Among other fundamental roles, the cauda equina nerves are responsible for bladder and urinary sensation and function. A patient who is suffering from compression of the cauda equina nerves may experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty commencing urinating or emptying the bladder
- Reduced or altered sensation when urinating
- Loss of awareness of needing to urinate
- Leakage of urine
- Painless retention of urine
If a patient is experiencing urinary or bladder symptoms, they may need a referral for an immediate MRI scan to assess the underlying cause.
If the patient has reached the point of painless retention of urine, they would be considered to be suffering from complete cauda equina syndrome, at which point surgery may be less successful at resolving their lower body loss of function.
Early recognition of the significance of bladder symptoms is, therefore, vital if diagnosis is to be confirmed and treatment carried out before the patient reaches this devastating condition.
Medical negligence
If medical professionals fail to assess a patient for their bladder symptoms, they may be regarded as having provided negligent care.
If bladder symptoms are misdiagnosed, leading to a delay in correct diagnosis, the relevant professionals may be regarded as having been negligent.
If medical professionals fail to warn a patient with early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome of the significance of urinary symptoms and the need to attend hospital should they develop, they may be regarded as having been negligent in their care.
Legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome due to delays in diagnosis or treatment, contact Glynns Solicitors. Specialists in medical negligence law, we have extensive expertise in cauda equina 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.
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