Compression in the Spine and Delayed Diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome
Compression of the cauda equina nerves requires emergency diagnosis and surgery. Speak to a legal specialist if you think that your outcome has been affected by medical delays.
Delayed diagnosis and function losses
A delay in the diagnosis of compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine can leave an individual with permanent cauda equina syndrome.
The symptoms of this debilitating condition are both distressing and potentially life-changing.
If compression of the nerves is delayed, the individual will start to suffer a variety of symptoms in the lower body. This can include loss of mobility, loss of bladder sensation and control, loss of bowel sensation and control as well as sexual dysfunction.
Timing in the diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina compression is crucial to the patient's long-term outcome. As time passes, the compression of the nerves may increase. This in turn can reduce the functioning of the nerves which will compromise the related aspects of lower body function. The associated sensation and movement functions may be reduced. Initially, the patient may notice reductions in function alongside pain in the lower back and legs but this may develop into more severe function loss as referred to above.
Medical negligence in cauda equina syndrome
The need for competent and speedy medical intervention is clear. Likewise the impact that failings in medical care can have is also clear. A delay in diagnosis may result in a significant loss of function which would not have been the case with an earlier diagnosis and more timely surgery.
Where medical professional are found to have been negligent in their handling of a patient with cauda equina compression, it may be possible to make a claim for those consequences which would not have occurred but for the negligence.
Where cauda equina syndrome is concerned, the impact can be significant. A once-healthy and fit individual may find that they are reliant on mobility assistance and struggle to work. They may require personal care and may require both adaptations and equipment in the home in order to be able to move around safely and effectively.
Where medical negligence is at fault, the financial losses associated with such a life-changing outcome can be included in a successful compensation claim.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you are thinking of making a claim for compensation for medical negligence, you need the advice and guidance of a legal specialist. Such claims are highly complex and require long-standing expertise and experience.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
We can offer No Win No Fee funding for medical negligence claims which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
