Hospital Delays Lead to Successful Cauda Equina Syndrome Claim
Slipping whilst walking across a field, Jennie developed lower back pain. This worsened and she became aware of altered sensation in her saddle area so made an appointment to see her GP.
Concerned by the numbness, the back pain and some urinary problems which had started during the day, the GP advised that Jennie should attend Accident and Emergency immediately because she needed an MRI scan.
Had Jennie undergone an MRI scan that day, it would have identified compression of the cauda equina nerves and triggered surgery to decompress the spine and prevent any further deterioration.
Unfortunately, in hospital, although she underwent an examination, and both an x-ray and a bladder scan were carried out, no MRI scan was undertaken. The medical professional in Accident and Emergency consulted with the Trauma and Orthopaedic team but they felt it was unlikely that Jennie was developing cauda equina syndrome and did not feel it was necessary that they should see her.
Jennie was discharged with a diagnosis of a 'muscular injury'.
Over the coming days, Jennie continued to consult her GP surgery and made a further visit to Accident and Emergency but was treated with pain relief and no MRI scan was carried out.
Over this time, Jennie's symptoms continued to worsen until, almost three weeks after her initial visit to Accident and Emergency, she woke up to realise that she had suffered an episode of urinary incontinence, that her numbness had worsened and that she was now in excruciating back pain. She was also struggling to walk properly.
Returning to Accident and Emergency, it was recognised that she needed an MRI scan which was carried out two days later. Severe compression of the cauda equina nerve roots was identified and Jennie was transferred to another hospital where she underwent surgery.
Following surgery, an MRI scan was planned to check the status of the spine but this did not, in fact, take place for several days and showed continued compression. A further delay occurred of almost a month before another MRI scan triggered a second surgical procedure.
Jennie has been left with difficulties with both bladder and bowel function. Problems with her left leg and foot have made it difficult to mobilise safely and she still experiences lower back pain.
Her ability to work, to drive and to engage with daily activities which she would once have taken for granted have been compromised by her symptoms and both her confidence and quality of life have been undermined.
Jennie was awarded a seven-figure sum in compensation for the severity of the impact of the negligent medical care which she experienced.
(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)
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