Deteriorating Symptoms in Cauda Equina Medical Negligence
A deterioration in symptoms between presentation to medical professionals with possible CES symptoms and the commencement of surgery may indicate that the quality of care has been negligent. It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
If a patient is experiencing compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine, their condition needs to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. A delay in diagnosis and treatment may allow the compression to worsen, the symptoms to deteriorate and the patient to face a lifetime of disability.
Symptom deterioration in cauda equina syndrome
Early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome could include pain and altered sensation in the lower back and one or both legs, as well as altered urinary experience or altered sensation in the saddle area.
Symptoms of complete cauda equina can include permanent double incontinence, sexual dysfunction and loss of mobility or paralysis.
If diagnosis and surgery are delayed, the patient's symptoms may gradually or suddenly deteriorate from one situation to the other.
For this reason, a prompt diagnosis and timely surgery are absolutely crucial.
If medical negligence causes a delay in surgery, the relevant medical professionals may be considered responsible for the deterioration in symptoms and long-term outcome which has occurred due to that delay.
Medical negligence
Medical negligence causing a delay in diagnosis or treatment can include the following:
- A failure to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome leading to a misdiagnosis and a delay in referral for an MRI scan
- A failure to examine for signs of cauda equina syndrome in a patient presenting with possible early symptoms
- A failure to warn a patient of the red flag symptoms which should prompt them to attend hospital immediately
- A delay in arranging an MRI scan
- A delay in carrying out decompression surgery
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling symptoms of complete cauda equina due to medical negligence and delays, the law entitles you to make a claim for compensation.
A successful claim would take account of any financial losses caused by the negligent treatment and associated symptoms, such as a reduced income due to disability or the costs of additional care and personal support.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in cauda equina syndrome negligence and compensation claims. Contact us to discuss your situation with a specialist solicitor, free of charge.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in maternal birth trauma claims. Contact us to day to talk to one of our experienced lawyers about your situation.
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