Double Incontinence and Cauda Equina Medical Negligence
Negligent medical care of compressed cauda equina nerves can leave a patient suffering from double incontinence. If this has happened to you, call Glynns Solicitors to discuss the suitability of making a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina nerve compression
The cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region at the base of the spine are crucial to effective lower body function. Unfortunately, however, they can occasionally be susceptible to compression due, for example, to a nearby herniated disc. Urgent, and sometimes emergency, medical attention is required in order to alleviate the compression and prevent the patient from suffering permanent disability.
A delay in diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina compression can allow the nerve function to deteriorate over time, causing an array of debilitating symptoms such as the following:
- Incontinence of wind
- Incontinence of faeces
- Urinary incontinence
- Loss of mobility or paralysis
The impact of double incontinence can be utterly life-changing. Beyond the personal and practical problems presented by this shocking condition, double incontinence can restrict a person's capacity to work in a variety of types of employment as well as causing considerable psychological damage.
Diagnosis and emergency treatment
In order for the patient to have a chance of achieving the best outcome, an early diagnosis and timely surgery is required. Once the patient starts to experience loss of bladder sensation, it may be too late for them to recover much function.
Diagnosis is therefore needed as soon as possible after typical symptoms develop and a failure to consider and investigate such symptoms may be regarded as negligent.
Symptoms which might indicate compression of the cauda equina nerves would include the following:
- Lower back and leg pain
- Altered sensation in both legs
- Altered sensation in the saddle area, perianal area and around the genitals
- Altered urinary experience such as having to strain to empty the bladder
A patient who is experiencing some or all of these symptoms may require an emergency MRI scan to confirm the cause. A delay in arranging an MRI scan in these circumstances may justify a claim for compensation if the patient suffers debilitating long-term problems as a result.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are struggling with the on-going impact of double incontinence due to delayed medical treatment of cauda equina compression, contact Glynns Solicitors.
As specialists in medical negligence compensation, we have extensive expertise in cauda equina negligence claims and are ideally placed to advise as to the suitability 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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