GP Errors in Cauda Equina Syndrome Diagnosis
Where cauda equina syndrome is concerned, mistakes in primary care can produce catastrophic results and may justify a claim for compensation.
If errors by your GP cause a delay in achieving a correct diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome, it may leave you with permanent disability. Unfortunately, this appalling condition is fairly rare and mistakes can easily occur. If you have been left with long-term disability and financial losses, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Misdiagnosis
If a GP does not recognise that your symptoms may be the early signs of cauda equina syndrome, you may return home with a misdiagnosis such as sciatica or a urinary infection.
As a result, you will not be given the urgent referral you need for an MRI scan which would confirm that the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine are being compressed, causing increasing lower body dysfunction.
Failure to understand the urgency
If a patient is showing signs of cauda equina syndrome, they need to be referred for an immediate MRI scan.
Symptoms which might indicate this level of urgency would include the following:
- Bilateral sciatica-like symptoms extending below the knee
- Altered urinary sensation and experience
- Altered sensation between the legs or around the anus and genitals.
If these symptoms do not receive emergency investigation, it is possible that the patient's spinal compression will increase, causing further irretrievable lower body dysfunction. The patient may be left with double incontinence and loss of mobility.
Failure of safety-netting
If a patient's symptoms do not justify an immediate referral for an MRI scan but may, nonetheless, be early signs of cauda equina syndrome, it is essential that all efforts are made to ensure that the patient is aware of what to do if their symptoms worsen. If the GP fails to give such safety-netting advice, the patient may not understand the need for urgent action if they start to lose bladder sensation, for example.
If the patient suffers permanent disability due to the GP's failure to provide an acceptable level of care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation which will address any financial losses resulting from the delay in diagnosis and surgery.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of cauda equina syndrome due to negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors talk to one of our team of expert lawyers.
We are specialists in medical negligence compensation and are ideally placed to advise you as to the best way forward.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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