Examination Errors and Compensation for Cauda Equina Compression Negligence
Early diagnosis of cauda equina nerve compression is key to the best patient outcome, giving them a chance to avoid a lifetime of severe disability. Errors of examination can delay a diagnosis and justify a claim for compensation if the patient suffers as a result.
Early diagnosis negligence
If a patient with lower back and leg pain attends a medical professional, it is essential that an assessment is made for any signs or symptoms of cauda equina compression.
If this does not take place, the patient may be reassured with a misdiagnosis and return home unaware that they are developing compression of the cauda equina nerves and may be facing permanent lower body dysfunction.
If the medical professional is not aware that the patient is experiencing altered sensation in the perineal region or altered bladder function, they may not consider that the patient's pain symptoms could be due to compressed cauda equina nerves. Consequently, they may not refer the patient for a crucial MRI scan.
Unfortunately, a delay in diagnosis can mean that the patient's loss of lower body function may increase and become permanent before diagnosis is finally achieved and surgery carried out.
An error of examination may be partial or complete as follows:
- A failure to carry out an examination or necessary tests at all. This may be in the GP surgery or it may be where a telephone discussion regarding symptoms is not followed up by a visit or by arranging for an examination to take place
- An inadequate examination where key signs such as altered perineal sensation are missed
Long term impact of delays in diagnosis
If the patient is fortunate, their condition will not deteriorate before surgery and they may recover lost function or, at least, not suffer further deterioration.
However, it is also possible that even a short delay in diagnosis may see an increase in nerve compression and an associated loss of bowel, bladder and sexual function as well as increasing mobility losses.
Such debilitating loss of bodily function can devastate an individual's life, affecting their capacity to work, their ability to navigate safely both within and outside of the home as well as their ability to engage with a wide range of activities.
The financial impact can be dramatic and, where medical negligence has played a part, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a legal specialist
Speak to Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law.
We offer a wealth of expertise in cauda equina syndrome negligence and a history of success in high-value compensation claims.
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.
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