My GP Gave No Red Flag Warnings
Warning a patient of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can be absolutely crucial in determining the patient's long-term outcome. A failure to do so may justify a claim for compensation.
What are red flag symptoms?
Red flag symptoms are those signs which should alert a patient or medical professional to the need for immediate action.
If a medical professional fails to act on the presence of red flag symptoms, they may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
If a patient is not warned of the red flag symptoms of their condition and the need for immediate attendance at Accident and Emergency, their long-term outcome may be significantly worse and the relevant medical professional may, once again, be regarded as having provided substandard care.
Red flag symptoms in cauda equina syndrome
Identifying the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome is crucial to the timing of surgery and the patient's outcome.
The red flag symptoms which, alongside lower back and leg pain, might prompt an emergency MRI scan include the following:
- Bilateral sciatica-like symptoms
- Weakness in the legs or loss of ankle reflex
- Loss of sensation in the saddle area
- Alteration of sensation when urinating, or loss of bladder sensation and control
- Changes in sensation when opening the bowels and around the anal area
Warning of red flag symptoms
If a patient attends their GP with possible early symptoms of cauda equina symptoms but, as yet, no red flag symptoms, it is, nonetheless, imperative that the medical practitioner warns the patient of what those symptoms are and the need to attend Accident and Emergency immediately if they should develop.
A failure to warn the patient of the symptoms that might indicate an emergency situation, may be regarded as negligent.
Medical negligence
If your cauda equina surgery was delayed because you had not been advised of the red flag symptoms which should prompt you to take action, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
If you have suffered a poor, long-term outcome due to the subsequent delay in diagnosis and surgery, you might wish to get legal advice.
Contact Glynns Solicitors
Here at Glynns, we have supported numerous clients in making highly-successful claims for delays in diagnosing and treating cauda equina syndrome. If your poor outcome is due to substandard medical care, ring us today to talk to one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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