Red Flags Missed in Cauda Equina Syndrome
If a failure by medical professionals to respond appropriately to the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome has left you struggling with disability, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Red flag failings
Red flag failings in medical care related to cauda equina compression can occur in a number of ways:
- The possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome were not recognised as such, leading to a misdiagnosis and delay in appropriate care. Symptoms which should alert medical professionals to a possible cauda equina diagnosis could include bilateral leg pain and altered sensation, altered bladder sensation or function and altered perineal sensation.
- There was no examination for the red flag signs and symptoms, leading to a failure to make the correct diagnosis and a delay in surgery. Tests such as a pinprick test can identify alteration in the patient's awareness of sensation.
- There was a failure to understand the urgency of the red flag symptoms, leading to a delay in a referral for an MRI scan and subsequent diagnosis. A patient who may be suffering with incomplete cauda equina syndrome, and who is in danger of a deterioration of symptoms without prompt care may need an emergency MRI scan and emergency surgery. A failure by medical professionals to recognise this can have a catastrophic impact on the patient.
The impact of red flag failings
If you are fortunate, a failure to recognise the red flag signs and symptoms of cauda equina compression will not alter your long term outcome. However, if diagnosis and surgery are delayed, there is the possibility that the patient's condition will deteriorate. Their nerve compression may increase and the patient may suffer worsening loss of lower body function as a result.
If you are fortunate, a failure to recognise the red flag signs and symptoms of cauda equina compression will not alter your long term outcome. However, if diagnosis and surgery are delayed, there is the possibility that the patient's condition will deteriorate. Their nerve compression may increase and the patient may suffer worsening loss of lower body function as a result.
Ultimately, if the patient develops complete cauda equina syndrome, they may suffer permanent double incontinence and loss of mobility.
The implications of this situation are severe, affecting the patient's quality of life, their ability to earn a living and their ability to function independently within their own home.
Claiming compensation
If negligent care by medical professionals is responsible for a deterioration in the patient's long-term outcome, which would not have occurred with an acceptable level of care, the patient is legally entitled to make a claim for compensation.
If you believe you may have been the victim of negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation, to speak with 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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