Negligent Cauda Equina Syndrome Assessment
The assessment of a patient with symptoms indicative of cauda equina syndrome is key to that patient's long-term prognosis. A negligent assessment may leave the patient with double incontinence and loss of mobility.
A patient with incomplete cauda equina syndrome may require emergency surgery to decompress the cauda equina nerves. If the patient's diagnosis and surgery are delayed, their chance of recovery may be diminished. Where medical delays are the cause of long-term disability, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A medical professional may be negligent in their assessment of a patient with cauda equina syndrome symptoms in a number of ways:
- An inadequate assessment, failing to examine or question the patient as to the presence of any urinary symptoms or altered sensation in the saddle area, may mean that red flag symptoms are missed and the patient does not receive the MRI scan and diagnosis they urgently need. This would inevitably lead to a delay in surgery and may allow the patient's condition to deteriorate significantly before treatment.
- The assessment of the patient may reveal additional symptoms such as poor urinary flow or altered sensation around the buttocks, but the medical professional may not recognise that these are red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and that the patient may require an emergency MRI scan and emergency decompression of the nerves at the base of the spine.
- The medical professional may recognise the patient's symptoms as indicative of possible cauda equina syndrome but misjudge their severity and the urgency of the patient's situation. Again, this may lead to a life-changing delay in the management of the patient's condition. If the patient's symptoms deteriorate prior to surgery, it may mean that the likely outcome of surgery is worse than had it taken place at an earlier stage of the condition.
Making a compensation claim
If you or a loved one are suffering from the debilitating impact of complete cauda equina syndrome due to medical delays, a successful compensation claim can help to cope with the financial costs and losses which may have been caused, such as loss of income and costs of care.
Here at Glynns we have supported numerous clients in making highly-successful compensation claims for medical negligence related to cauda equina syndrome. Several of our clients last year received compensation in excess of £1,000,000 for the long-term impact of their delayed diagnosis and surgery.
Ring us today to discuss your situation with 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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