Nerve Compression Diagnosis Delays and Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
A delay in the diagnosis of nerve compression in the lumbar (lower) region of the spine can allow the patient to develop cauda equina syndrome, leading to loss of lower body function.
Speak to a specialist solicitor if this has happened to you or a loved one.
The problem of nerve compression
Your nerves are the essential messengers which allow your body to function in so many ways. They pick up messages from your internal and external sensory receptors, such as your skin or eyes or bladder, and pass that information on to your brain. They also receive messages from your brain to initiate muscle movement to respond to your internal and external environment.
If they cease to function, awareness of sensation may be lost and the ability to action a response to sensation or desire may also be lost.
Compression of the nerves can cause just such a scenario.
Consequently, if an individual is developing compression of the nerves, perhaps due to a prolapsed disc or tumour, it is vital that this condition is diagnosed as soon as possible. The earlier the compression is identified and dealt with, the less function the patient is likely to lose.
Cauda equina syndrome
The cauda equina nerves are key to the function of the bladder, the bowel, the sexual organs and the lower limbs.
Without prompt diagnosis of cauda equina nerve compression, a patient may struggle with the loss of this function and loss of mobility.
A delay in diagnosis can mean that the patient suffers a greater degree of function loss and disability than would have been the case with earlier diagnosis and surgery.
Medical negligence in cauda equina compression diagnosis
Delays in the diagnosis of nerve compression can occur for a variety of reasons including the following:
- A failure by a medical professional to carry out a thorough assessment
- A failure to recognise the patient’s significant symptoms, such as lower back and leg pain along with urinary symptoms
- A failure to make a timely MRI scan referral or a failure of reporting
- A failure to give adequate red flag advice
If failings such as these leave the patient with unnecessary and debilitating symptoms, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation, which would address the impact on the patient and their quality of life.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in complex, high-value cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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