Compensation for Negligent MRI Referral for CES
The timing and nature of a referral for an MRI scan for possible cauda equina syndrome can be crucial to the long-term outcome and physical and emotional well-being of the patient.
Responding to cauda equina syndrome symptoms
If a patient attends their medical professional with symptoms indicative of incomplete cauda equina syndrome, it is imperative that they are referred for an emergency MRI scan.
A failure to recognise the significance of their symptoms and a decision to make an urgent or standard referral instead may allow the patient's condition to deteriorate prior to surgery. It may also justify a claim for compensation if the patient suffers in the long-term as a result.
Incomplete cauda equina symptoms
Symptoms indicative of incomplete cauda equina syndrome include the following:
- Lower back and leg pain as well as...
- Possible bilateral tingling and weakness in the legs
- Altered sensation in the saddle area between the legs
- Loss of sensation around the anus
- Altered sensation when urinating such as having to strain to start urination or difficulty in fully emptying the bladder
- Weakness in ankle reflexes
At this stage of the syndrome, the patient may require an emergency MRI scan in order to access emergency surgery to decompress their cauda equina nerves.
Medical negligence
If a delay in assessment and diagnosis occurs at this point, the patient's cauda equina nerve function may deteriorate to the point where bladder sensation and function is lost. Beyond this point, surgery may be less successful than had it taken place at an earlier stage.
If a medical practitioner delays a person's diagnosis and surgery through an inappropriate MRI referral, they may be held responsible for the patient's worse long-term symptoms, should they occur.
In such circumstances, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation against the relevant medical practitioner for the effects of those symptoms.
The effects of complete cauda equina syndrome can include double incontinence, sexual dysfunction and loss of mobility. The financial implications can be significant and a successful compensation claim can provide recompense for those financial losses.
Get legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of cauda equina syndrome because medical professionals did not take the appropriate actions when confronted with your symptoms, you may wish to consider making a claim for compensation.
Here at Glynns Solicitors we have supported numerous clients in making highly-successful compensation claims for cauda equina negligence. Ring us today and one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors will be very happy to discuss your situation with you free of charge.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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