Negligent Assessment for Cauda Equina Dysfunction
Dysfunction of the cauda equina needs to be diagnosed as promptly as possible. A delay in identifying the red flag symptoms and undertaking treatment can leave the patient with permanent disability.
Cauda equina syndrome
Although this condition is rare, lower back pain can indicate that a patient may be developing cauda equina syndrome. This is a severe and debilitating condition where loss of cauda equina nerve function causes double incontinence and loss of mobility.
It is essential, therefore, that medical professionals ensure that any patient exhibiting lower back pain undergoes a thorough assessment.
If the symptoms are missed or misdiagnosed, it can lead to a very poor prognosis indeed. It can also justify a claim for compensation for the patient's pain, suffering and financial losses caused by the negligence.
Assessing for cauda equina dysfunction
It is vital that the patient is questioned as to whether they are experiencing any bowel or bladder symptoms. This may be a reduction in awareness of the need to urinate or defecate. It may be a loss of sensation around the anus and buttocks. It may be that the patient is finding it difficult to start to urinate or to feel as if they have emptied their bladder. These symptoms could suggest that the patient is suffering loss of nerve function.
A physical examination can determine whether the patient is suffering any sensation losses which are often symptomatic of cauda equina syndrome. The patient may lose sensation in the saddle area between the legs or in the legs. They may experience tingling and weakness in the legs. They may be losing anal tone. They may be losing their ankle reflex.
Medical negligence
A failure to undertake a thorough assessment of the patient may mean that red flag symptoms are missed.
If the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome are not identified, the patient may not receive the necessary referral for an MRI scan. If the symptoms indicate a possible diagnosis of cauda equina dysfunction, the patient may require an immediate MRI scan to clarify the condition of their lower spine.
If cauda equina syndrome is confirmed as the diagnosis, surgery may be required within a matter of hours.
A delay in surgery may prove catastrophic to the patient and their long-term well-being and quality of life.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome due to an inadequate medical assessment, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation, to talk to one of our team of experienced solicitors.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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