Permanent CES Symptoms and Claiming Compensation for Negligence
If substandard medical care has left you with worse symptoms than would otherwise have been the case, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Permanent cauda equina syndrome symptoms
The symptoms of complete cauda equina syndrome are both debilitating and shocking. Without prompt diagnosis and surgery, the patient may suffer the following permanent symptoms:
- Inability to control the passing of wind
- Inability to control the passing of faeces
- Loss of sexual function and sensation
- Loss of bladder function and sensation
- Loss of mobility
This combination of disabling symptoms affects pretty much every aspect of a person's life from their personal relationships to their ability work and to function independently in everyday life. The psychological impact can be equally disabling.
An individual with complete CES may require personal care and may need to move to more suitable accommodation if their current home is no longer appropriate to their needs. Their ability to work may be restricted and they may suffer a significant loss of income.
Negligent medical care of cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome requires the most prompt diagnosis and treatment if the patient is to achieve the best possible outcome.
If medical professionals, whether the GP or Accident and Emergency practitioners, miss the opportunity to diagnose this terrible condition at an early stage, thereby allowing time for the condition to worsen, they may be regarded as having been negligent in their care.
If the consequences of medical delays have caused the severity of the symptoms suffered by the patient, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Medical negligence and cauda equina syndrome
Examples of negligent medical care in relation to CES would include the following:
- A failure to recognise the possible symptoms, leading to a misdiagnosis
- A failure to carry out an examination
- A delay in making a referral for an MRI scan
- A failure to provide red flag symptoms when appropriate
The common problem with all these possible failures is that they bring about a delay in a correct diagnosis. This means that the patient's nerve compression may increase in the period between the occasion where the negligent care occurred and the when surgery is finally carried out. Increased nerve compression may cause increased loss of lower body function. Where this is the case, the relevant medical professional may be regarded as responsible for the long-term impact.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you believe that you may have been the victim of negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in high-value cauda equina syndrome claims, to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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