Negligent Examination and Cauda Equina Syndrome Compensation
A thorough clinical examination is crucial in the diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome and a failure to carry one out may leave a patient with permanent disability.
Examining for cauda equina compression
If a patient is showing signs or symptoms of possible cauda equina syndrome, it is essential that medical professionals carry out a thorough examination. The purpose of this is to identify any further indications that the patient may be suffering from a compressed nerve in the lumbar region of the spine.
In the early stages, a patient may be experiencing pain and possible numbness in the lower back and legs. Assessment should be undertaken to ascertain if they are also experiencing any of the following:
- Do the leg symptoms extend to the second leg?
- Is there altered sensation such as numbness or tingling in the saddle area, buttocks and/or genitals?
- Is it difficult to empty the bladder or is there only a poor flow of urine?
- Is the patient experiencing reduced sensation when needing to urinate?
The presence of any of these symptoms in addition to lower back pain might suggest that the patient is developing cauda equina syndrome and may be in need of an emergency MRI scan. This would confirm or rule out the possibility of cauda equina compression. If compression is confirmed, the patient may require decompression surgery immediately to prevent further deterioration and the loss of possible recovery.
Negligence and compensation
A failure to examine a patient may mean that, instead of being referred to hospital for an immediate scan, the patient is sent home with a misdiagnosis.
Inevitably, this will lead to a delay in further medical attention and a delay in both the correct diagnosis and the correct treatment.
It is likely that the patient will then only attend hospital or seek a further consultation with their GP because they have suffered from worsening symptoms. It may be, for example, that they have now lost all bladder sensation.
If this is the case, the patient may find that, even after surgery, they suffer symptoms which would not have been the case had they received a thorough examination initially and been referred for a scan which would have prompted emergency surgery.
Claiming compensation
If this is the case, the patient may be entitled to make a claim for compensation for the pain, suffering and financial losses caused by the delay in bringing them to surgery.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation, if you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking effects of cauda equina syndrome due to a delay in diagnosis and surgery.
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