Misdiagnosed Saddle Numbness and Claiming Compensation for CES
Saddle numbness is a red flag of cauda equina syndrome. If this red flag is missed by medical professionals, it may be appropriate to claim compensation if you are left with permanent CES disability.
Assessing a patient for CES
If a patient is at risk of developing cauda equina syndrome, it is essential that medical professionals make a thorough assessment for any signs or symptoms and make a timely referral for investigation. A failure to do so may leave the patient with permanent lower body disability and may justify a claim for compensation.
If a patient is left with a worse outcome following substandard medical intervention than would have been the case with an acceptable level of care, they are legally entitled to make a claim for compensation. A successful claim would take account of the pain, suffering and financial losses suffered by the patient to the extent that they have been caused by negligent care.
Saddle numbness and other symptoms of cauda equina compression
Saddle numbness refers to loss of or altered sensation in the area of the body that would normally touch a saddle - i.e. between the legs and around the buttocks. It may be an indicator that the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine are not functioning correctly due to compression. If a patient is suffering with lower back and leg pain, it is important that this additional sign is assessed. The patient may also be experiencing altered bladder function and sensation such as having to strain when needing to empty the bladder.
A failure to assess a patient for symptoms of the saddle area may mean that these crucial signs are missed. Also, a failure to recognise the significance of these symptoms may mean that the patient does not receive a referral for an MRI scan to check for cauda equina nerve compression.
A delay in diagnosis and treatment can allow time for the compression to worsen and the loss of nerve function to increase. Sadly, if surgery is delayed due to a misdiagnosis, a patient may face a lifetime of double incontinence and loss of mobility.
The impact on an individual's life can be utterly devastating and may justify a claim for compensation if such a shocking outcome is due to substandard medical care.
Talk to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice. We have extensive expertise in cauda equina claims and a history of highly successful claims.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor, free of charge, if you believe that you or a loved one may have a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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