Complete Cauda Equina Syndrome Compensation
Complete cauda equina syndrome can cause permanent incontinence and loss of mobility. If this appalling outcome is the result of medical failings, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Complete cauda equina syndrome
Complete cauda equina syndrome represents the loss of function of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine. As these nerves provide communication of sensation and movement between the brain and much of the lower body, their function loss inevitably causes loss of function in the organs and muscles affected. This includes the bladder, bowel, sexual organs and limbs.
If a patient's symptoms are diagnosed at an early stage of the condition, however, it may be possible to halt the progress of this distressing condition, thereby enabling the patient to recover lost function or, at least, not to experience any further function losses.
Diagnosis
The accuracy and timing of diagnosis is crucial. The promptness of surgery once diagnosis has been achieved is also vital to the patient's long-term outcome.
If diagnosis is achieved promptly once symptoms appear and decompression surgery is successfully carried out within a matter of hours, the patient may experience a good long-term outcome.
If either diagnosis or surgery are delayed, however, the patient may suffer a very poor long-term outcome indeed. The relevant medical professionals may be regarded as having provided substandard or negligent care. It may also be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the patient's pain, suffering and financial losses associated with the impact of the poor care.
If a patient attends their medical practitioner with symptoms which might indicate a problem greater than sciatica, such as loss of sensation in the saddle area or altered urinary experience, it may be necessary for the patient to be referred for an emergency MRI scan. This should identify whether or not the patient's symptoms are being caused by compressed cauda equina nerves.
If such an assessment is not carried out, the opportunity to resolve the patient's symptoms may be lost. If the patient's nerve function deteriorates still further prior to surgery, the outcome may be significantly worse.
Medical negligence
If a medical professional fails to recognise or assess for the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome in a patient experiencing lower back and leg pain, they might be regarded as negligent. If the patient subsequently develops cauda equina syndrome, which should have been identified or suspected at an earlier time, the medical professional may be regarded as responsible for the patient's on-going symptoms.
If a patient has a diagnosis of incomplete cauda equina syndrome but surgery is delayed, they may suffer a poor long-term outcome as a result and a compensation claim may be appropriate to help them deal with their on-going problems.
Getting legal advice
If you or a loved one are suffering the appalling long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome de to a delay in either diagnosis or surgery, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice and one of our team of friendly, specialist medical negligence solicitors will be happy to talk to you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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