Permanent Disability Due to Cauda Equina Delays
Delays in diagnosing and treating cauda equina compression can lead to permanent disability. If medical professionals were responsible for the delay, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Disability and cauda equina syndrome
Long-term disability caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine can present in a variety of distressing ways.
A patient with complete cauda equina syndrome is likely to be suffering with double incontinence. This is because the cauda equina nerves not only recognise sensation in the bladder and bowel but also initiate movement of the muscles which control urination and defecation. Failure of bowel function will also mean that the patient suffers from wind incontinence.
Unfortunately, an individual suffering from this appalling condition may well also have lost their mobility. It may be impaired or they may be paralysed and unable to walk. They may be reliant on a wheelchair or suffer foot drop, where the ankle reflex has been lost and the foot drags.
The impact of such symptoms can affect almost every aspect of life including work, accommodation, personal independence and family relationships. The financial implications can be huge if the victim is unable to work.
Timing in medical care of cauda equina syndrome
The timing of both diagnosis and treatment for cauda equina compression can be absolutely crucial to the long-term outcome.
If diagnosis and surgery are delayed, the patient's compression and associated symptoms can deteriorate. This is likely to result in more severe and permanent disability.
Diagnosis is a matter of both a clinical assessment and an MRI scan. If a medical practitioner fails to assess the patient thoroughly and fails to make a timely referral for an MRI scan, diagnosis can be delayed.
If the MRI scan is delayed or if surgery is delayed once a diagnosis is confirmed, it again puts the patient at risk of a poor long-term outcome.
Legal advice
If you think you may have a claim for poor-quality medical care of cauda equina syndrome, you need to speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor. These are highly-complex claims and require the skills of someone with expertise in this particular field.
Glynns Solicitors is a medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of cauda equina syndrome compensation claims.
Contact us today if you or a loved one are struggling with the effects of this shocking condition due to poor-quality medical care.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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