Saddle Numbness Missed in Cauda Equina Symptom Assessment
Missing a red flag symptom of cauda equina syndrome may delay the emergency surgery necessary to preserve the patient's lower body function.
What is the saddle area?
The saddle area refers to the parts of the body which would normally touch the saddle if riding a horse or a bicycle. This includes the genital region between the legs, the tops of the thighs and the buttock area around the anus.
What is saddle numbness?
Saddle paraesthesia refers to loss of or disturbance to sensation in the saddle area. The patient may be aware of a tingling or 'pins and needles' sensation. Loss of sensation may be assessed through a pin prick test of the skin. An individual may also become aware of loss of sensation when they wipe themselves after defecating and realise that they cannot feel it.
What is the significance of saddle numbness?
The development of altered saddle, perineal or perianal sensation may indicate that the patient's symptoms are due to compression of the cauda equina nerves rather than sciatica. In a patient who is already experiencing pain in the lower back and legs, sensation losses in the saddle region should prompt a medical professional to consider a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome.
These symptoms may indicate that the patient's nerve compression is worsening and they may require an emergency MRI scan to confirm or rule out cauda equina nerve compression as being the cause of their symptoms.
A failure by a medical professional to check for alterations to saddle sensation may allow the patient's symptoms to deteriorate before a diagnosis is achieved and surgery carried out. It may be regarded as poor quality care.
Warning of red flags
Saddle numbness or disturbance is a red flag symptom of cauda equina syndrome and your medical practitioner should warn you to check your perineum regularly. If you are experiencing altered sensation in the saddle area, it might be appropriate to go to Accident and Emergency.
If you attend the GP with lower back and leg pain but they do not warn you to be alert to saddle symptoms, as well as urinary function changes, they might be regarded as having provided substandard care.
Medical negligence compensation
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome due to failings by your medical practitioner, contact Glynns today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
It might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
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