Examination Negligence and Cauda Equina Syndrome Compensation
Whether you attend an Accident and Emergency facility or visit your GP, it is essential that you are examined for signs of nerve damage if you are exhibiting possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome.
A failure to do so may leave the patient with permanent and severe disability and leave the medical professional facing a claim for compensation for medical negligence.
Assessing for cauda equina syndrome
Symptoms of lower back and leg pain, and possible tingling or numbness may be signs that the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine are being compressed. If this is the case, it is crucial that such a diagnosis is confirmed as quickly as possible. This is because decompression surgery to ease the pressure on the nerves may be needed within a matter of hours to avoid the patient suffering a lifetime of disability.
A failure by medical professionals to recognise the significance of the patient's symptoms and a failure to carry out a thorough assessment, leading to a misdiagnosis may be regarded as negligent.
If a patient's pain is being caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves, it is necessary to look for additional signs which can aid in the diagnosis of this appalling condition.
A medical professional should carry out an assessment to check for the following signs and symptoms:
- Is the patient suffering symptoms in both legs?
- Is the patient experiencing loss of sensation in the saddle area between the legs and around the anus?
- Is the patient experiencing reduced bladder function and sensation? Are they retaining urine in the bladder?
- Is the patient suffering loss of anal tone?
If the patient is exhibiting signs and symptoms indicative of cauda equina compression, it would be necessary to refer them for an emergency MRI scan. A failure to assess a patient for symptoms may mean that their underlying condition is not suspected and an MRI referral is not made.
Medical negligence
A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of a patient with early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome may be regarded as negligent.
If the patient suffers a worse long-term outcome as a consequence of the negligent care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for their pain, suffering and associated financial losses.
Seeking legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise of cauda equina syndrome compensation claims.
Contact us today if you or a loved one are struggling with this appalling condition due to medical delays.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of this condition due to medical negligence, contact us to speak with a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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