Diagnosing Cauda Equina Syndrome and When to Claim Compensation
A failure to suspect cauda equina compression or to apply the appropriate care pathway for the diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome may leave the patient with catastrophic symptoms and may justify a claim for compensation.
Compression of the cauda equina nerves
Cauda equina syndrome is the outcome of compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine. Therefore, if a patient is starting to develop this life-changing nerve compression, it is essential that the condition is diagnosed as soon as possible. Any delay will allow time for the nerve compression to increase, due perhaps to a ruptured disc, and for the loss of lower body function to increase likewise. Eventually, these function losses, such as bowel and bladder incontinence, may become permanent.
If a patient attends their GP or a hospital emergency department with the possible symptoms of cauda equina compression, it is crucial that the possible implications of their symptoms are recognised and that the appropriate course of action is undertaken. Failures in diagnosis, such as the following, can prove catastrophic:
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of the patient
- A failure to recognise the possibility that the patient's signs and symptoms may be caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves
- A failure to make an appropriate, often emergency, referral for an MRI scan
- A failure to warn the patient of the red flag symptoms, such as perineal and bladder sensation losses, which should prompt immediate attendance at hospital
When to claim compensation
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation when the process of diagnosing cauda equina syndrome has been delayed by the actions of medical professionals, causing the patient to suffer a worse outcome than should have been the case with a more timely and appropriate quality of medical care.
In these circumstances, once it has been established that negligence has played a part, an assessment will be undertaken of the ways in which the patient and their quality of life have been affected. In the case of this appalling spinal condition, the consequences can be shocking and extremely difficult to manage.
The patient may find that they are now restricted in the type of work which they are able to manage and suffer a significant loss of income as a result.
They may find that their mobility is severely restricted and they are now dependant on a wheelchair and personal care, requiring specialist equipment and adaptations to their home.
Consequences such as these would be included in a successful compensation claim insofar as they are found to be the result of negligence medical care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors specialises in high-value cauda equina syndrome claims. If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking impact of this terrible condition, contact us to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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