Making a Claim for Delayed MRI Referral In CES
An MRI scan at the right moment in the diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome can be essential to the patient's long-term health and quality of life. A delay in referring a patient for a scan may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina syndrome
The long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome can be utterly life-changing. Someone who may formerly have been fit and well and physically active can be rendered doubly incontinent and physically disabled by this appalling condition.
The ability to work in many types of employment may be denied the patient. For some patients, working at all becomes an impossibility. Their whole way of life and their home may need to change in order to accommodate their physical needs. The psychological impact can, understandably, be significant, too.
The role of the MRI scan
If a clinical examination of a patient suggests that they may be developing cauda equina syndrome, a referral for an emergency MRI scan may be necessary. A delay at this point may leave time for the patient's condition to deteriorate and reduce the likely effectiveness of surgery.
An MRI scan will be able to confirm if the patient's cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine are suffering from compression, causing the patient's symptoms. Once confirmed, this shocking condition needs to be treated with surgery to decompress the nerves and give the patient a chance that they may recover their lost function or at least to prevent further deterioration.
Symptoms indicative of cauda equina syndrome
In order to achieve the best outcome, surgery is ideally needed as soon as possible and before the patient loses bladder sensation. Symptoms which might indicate that the patient is in need of emergency treatment would include the following:
- Lower back and leg pain with some of the following additional symptoms:
- * Bilateral symptoms of pain and tingling or weakness in the legs
- * Altered sensation or loss of sensation in the saddle area, around the genitals and around the anus and buttocks
- * Reduced bladder sensation or difficulty in emptying the bladder or experiencing a poor urine flow
Medical negligence
If a medical professional fails to recognise, examine for or act on the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, they may be regarded as having been negligent in their care of the patient.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of cauda equina syndrome due to poor medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation and experts in cauda equina syndrome claims.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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