Incontinence and Medical Negligence in Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome comes with a distressing array of disabling symptoms. Incontinence of both bladder and bowel are two of the most distressing and life-changing. When does medical negligence play a role and when is it appropriate to make a claim for compensation?
Incontinence and cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine. As the nerve becomes more squashed, the associated loss of function in the lower body will also increase, with loss of control of bladder and bowel an aspect of this distressing dysfunction.
The patient may loss awareness of needing to urinate and defecate. They may lose control of the initiation of passing faeces. They may strain to urinate and empty the bladder. They may retain urine due to loss of sensation, leading to uncontrolled leakage or incontinence.
The implications for the individual's daily routines, ability to work and general quality of life are significant. The psychological, practical and financial consequences can be life-changing.
If medical negligence has played a part in this devastating outcome, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Medical negligence in cauda equina syndrome management
Early diagnosis of compression of the cauda equina nerves is crucial in order for the patient to undergo decompression surgery before their condition deteriorates. If medical professionals have an opportunity to make or initiate the process to diagnosis, but fail to do so, thereby allowing time for the patient's condition and long-term outcome to worsen significantly, they may be regarded as having been negligent.
Failings on the part of medical professionals which might cause or contribute to a delay in diagnosis and surgery could include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination and assessment of the patient, thereby missing key symptoms and signs
- A failure to recognise the symptoms which might be indicative of cauda equina compression
- A misdiagnosis of the patient's symptoms, thereby causing a delay in specialist investigation
- A delay in making a referral for an MRI scan which is often regarded as an emergency
- A delay in initiating surgery which is often required within hours
Making a claim for compensation
If you are suffering debilitating symptoms due to negligent medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
In order to assess the quality of your medical care and identify whether or not you have, in fact, been a victim of negligence, it is essential to talk to a specialist solicitor. They will obtain copies of your medical records and assess whether or not you are entitled to make a claim.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal firm with a specific focus on cauda equina syndrome claims. With many years of experience in these complex claims, we can offer a wealth of expertise, understanding and insight to support you in making a claim.
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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