Misdiagnosing Cauda Equina Syndrome and The Question of Compensation
If a misdiagnosis of cauda equina syndrome symptoms leaves the patient disabled, it may be appropriate to claim compensation.
Assessing cauda equina syndrome symptoms
Cauda equina syndrome is a fairly rare condition and in its earliest stages may be mistaken for other conditions such as sciatica.
However, a failure to recognise the possible early symptoms and a failure to consider that the patient may be developing this appalling and debilitating condition may result in catastrophic disability and a claim for compensation.
Early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome such as lower back pain and symptoms of pain and altered sensation in the legs may lead to a diagnosis of sciatica. Altered bladder sensation or difficulty emptying the bladder may be diagnosed as a urinary infection.
Unfortunately, however, these symptoms may be a sign that the patient is suffering from compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine and is slowly losing sensation and function in the lower body. Without emergency intervention, the patient may become disabled for life.
Red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
Symptoms which might indicate that the patient may be developing this cruel condition and which might justify an immediate referral for an MRI scan would include the following:
- Pain and altered sensation in both legs rather than one, which extends below the knee
- Altered sensation in the saddle area between the legs and around the anus and buttocks
- Altered bladder sensation
- Altered urinary flow and having to strain to empty the bladder
A patient with lower back pain is unlikely to be developing cauda equina syndrome but a failure to check for these symptoms or a failure to warn the patient of these red flag symptoms might be regarded as negligent.
If a patient's condition deteriorates during the period of delay, meaning that they suffer a worse long-term outcome, it may be possible to make a claim.
Claiming compensation
If a patient suffers long-term disability and financial losses due to cauda equina syndrome following negligent medical care and a delayed diagnosis, they may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
If you or a loved one believe you have been the victim of substandard medical care of cauda equina syndrome, contact Glynns Solicitors. Specialists in medical negligence compensation with extensive expertise in cauda equina syndrome, we will be very happy to talk to you about the suitability of making 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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