Long-term Symptoms after Surgery for Cauda Equina Syndrome
If you have been left with severe and debilitating symptoms following surgery for cauda equina syndrome, it is appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Long-term cauda equina symptoms
Cauda equina syndrome requires surgery to decompress the cauda equina nerves. If this vital surgery is carried out at the optimum moment, the patient has a greater chance of continued lower body function. If diagnosis and surgery are delayed, however, it is possible that the patient may be left with an array of life-changing and distressing symptoms:
- Bowel incontinence
- Bladder incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of mobility in the lower limbs
- Foot drop, where the foot drags
Surgery for cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome, a loss of lower body function caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine, is a progressive condition. A patient may start with experiencing pain in the lower back and end up with double incontinence and paralysis.
The sooner this shocking condition is diagnosed, therefore, the less function is likely to be lost. The aim of surgery is to prevent further deterioration and so it essential that this is carried out when the patient still retains as much function as possible.
It is generally considered that surgery is most effective if it is carried out before the patient loses all bladder sensation, known as painless retention. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed beyond this point, the patient's long-term outcome is likely to be more severe and more debilitating.
Diagnosis prior to loss of bladder sensation is vital.
Responding to CES symptoms
If your medical professionals were alerted to your possible CES symptoms at an early stage, and yet failed to carry out the necessary tests, it is possible that your condition deteriorated before your surgery was carried out.
In these circumstances, the relevant medical practitioners may be considered to have provided substandard care.
If a patient may be developing cauda equina syndrome, an emergency MRI scan may be necessary within hours and a failure to arrange this may be seen as negligent.
If your long-term outcome is poor due to delays in diagnosis and treatment, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for financial losses such as reduced employment and income.
Speak to a solicitor
Contact Glynns Solicitors if you or a loved one are facing the appalling impact of cauda equina syndrome due to delayed medical care. One of our team of specialist medical negligence solicitors will be happy to talk to you.
Call us today if you or a loved one are struggling with the permanent impact of this shocking condition due to poor-quality medical care.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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