Missing the Significance of Bilateral Leg Symptoms in CES
Bilateral symptoms such as pain and tingling may indicate that the patient is suffering compression of the cauda equina nerves. A failure to consider this possibility may be regarded as substandard care.
Assessing the symptoms in cauda equina syndrome
If a patient with lower back and leg pain attends their GP or Accident and Emergency facility, it is essential that they are assessed for any additional signs or symptoms which might indicate cauda equina compression.
Those symptoms would include the following:
- Altered urinary experience such as losing sensation and difficulty initiating or completing urination
- Altered sensation in the saddle area such as numbness
- Loss of sensation around the anus and buttocks
- Altered sexual sensation and function
- Bilateral leg pain and tingling or loss of sensation
A failure to consider the possible implications of bilateral leg symptoms may mean that the patient suffers an appalling long-term outcome unnecessarily. Cauda equina syndrome, caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine is usually a progressive condition. As the pressure on the nerves increases, they gradually lose their ability to function and the patient suffers worsening symptoms. The longer diagnosis and surgery are delayed, the worse the outcome for the patient is likely to be.
Once the nerve compression and associated loss of function reaches the critical point of loss of bladder sensation, the chance of any recovery may be lost.
Poor-quality medical care
If a medical practitioner fails to recognise that bilateral leg symptoms may indicate cauda equina compression, the patient may not receive the referral for immediate tests which can confirm or rule out such a diagnosis.
The medical professional may be regarded as having provided negligent care and the patient may be justified in making a claim for compensation for the impact of the negligence.
Specialist legal advice
Compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome can be very complex and require the skills of a lawyer with expertise in this field of law.
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with considerable experience in supporting claimants who have received substandard care of cauda equina syndrome.
Contact us today if you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of this shocking condition due to poor medical care. A successful claim can address the issues of financial losses caused by the impact of the negligence.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
