Red Flag Negligence in Cauda Equina Syndrome
Awareness of red flags in this most cruel condition can be mean difference between an acceptable outcome and permanent disability. A failure by medical professionals in this regard may justify a claim for compensation.
The significance of red flag symptoms
Red flag symptoms are those which should prompt an individual to take action. In the case of cauda equina syndrome, the development of red flag symptoms may indicate that the patient should attend hospital immediately. Any delay may mean that the patient may face a lifetime of incontinence and paralysis.
If a medical professional attends a patient who is exhibiting symptoms which may indicate cauda equina compression as the cause, but whose symptoms do not as yet include the red flags, it is essential that a warning is given.
A medical practitioner who fails to do this may be regarded as having been negligent in their safety-netting and care of the patient.
Red flag symptoms in cauda equina syndrome
The red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome include the following:
- Bilateral leg symptoms of pain, tingling or numbness
- Altered sensation in the saddle area
- Altered experience when urinating such as having to strain to empty the bladder
- Altered level of awareness of needing to urinate
- Altered bowel experience and sensation
The development of these symptoms may indicate that the patient is deteriorating from incomplete to complete cauda equina syndrome. This may indicate that the compression of their cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine is worsening, causing increasingly debilitating symptoms. A delay in diagnosis and surgery at this point may leave the patient disabled.
Claiming compensation for red flag negligence
The permanent symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can be life-changing, limiting an individual in terms of the employment they can undertake, if they are able to work at all.
For some people, it may even be necessary to make adjustments to their home or to engage additional support to enable them to carry out daily tasks.
If such a distressing outcome is due to substandard medical care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation which will address the financial losses caused by the negligence.
Speak to a specialist
Compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome negligence are highly-complex and require the skills of a specialist in this field.
Here at Glynns we offer considerable expertise in cauda equina syndrome claims, having supported numerous highly-successful claims over the years.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of this condition due to medical negligence, contact us to speak with a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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