Medical Failings in Cauda Equina Care and Claiming Compensation
Competent medical care and management of cauda equina compression is key to the patient's long-term health and quality of life. Negligent care can result in permanent and debilitating symptoms of double incontinence and loss of mobility.
Cauda equina compression
Compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine is a route to permanent disability.
Recognising the symptoms of this destructive condition at an early stage and facilitating prompt medical care in the form of surgery is essential to prevent the patient from developing complete cauda equina syndrome.
Cauda equina compression can develop as a result of inflammation in the lumbar spine or a herniated disc which presses on the nerve.
Increasing pressure will result in loss of the nerve function. In the case of the cauda equina nerves, such an occurrence can be devastating as these nerves are responsible for the effective communication of sensation and movement between the brain and lower body.
Symptoms of cauda equina compression
The early possible signs and symptoms of cauda equina compression include the following:
- Lower back and leg pain
- Altered sensation in both legs
- Altered sensation in the saddle area
- Altered urinary function such as having to strain to empty the bladder
- Altered awareness of needing to urinate
A failure to consider that these symptoms might indicate compression of the cauda equina nerves will result in a delayed diagnosis and surgery and a possible deterioration of the patient's condition and long-term outcome.
It may also justify a claim for compensation.
A delay in making a referral for an MRI scan or a delay in carrying out an MRI scan may also be regarded as negligent, as may a delay in initiating surgery for this devastating condition.
Claiming compensation for negligent care
If delays in diagnosis or treatment of cauda equina compression has left either you or a loved one struggling with the appalling symptoms, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Financial losses such as past and future loss of income would be incorporated into a successful compensation claim, as might the costs of care in so far as this is caused by the negligence.
Specialist legal advice
Compensation claims for medical negligence are extremely complex. If you believe that you may have been the victim of negligent care, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law.
One of our team of experienced lawyers will be very happy to talk to you, free of charge, about whether or not it would be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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