Sexual Disability and CES Compensation Claims
Loss of sexual function is unlikely to be the only symptom experienced by someone with cauda equina syndrome but, for many people, it is a devastating outcome.
Function losses in cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a condition of many and varied debilitating symptoms. If surgery is delayed and the patient develops complete cauda equina syndrome, they are likely to experience incontinence of both bladder and bowel, and loss of lower limb mobility in addition to the distressing loss of sexual function.
These appalling symptoms are caused by a loss of nerve function at the base of the spine due to compression. This neurological dysfunction means that sensation is lost in the perineal region between the legs, leading to loss of sexual sensation and function.
If diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome is made promptly, however, facilitating timely surgery, the above horrific scenario need not be the outcome.
If a patient attends their medical practitioner at a point where symptoms are at an incomplete stage, diagnosis and treatment would be required as a matter of emergency. As a progressive condition, the later diagnosis and treatment are achieved, the greater the degree of long-term dysfunction is likely to be.
Timely diagnosis and treatment
For a patient to have a chance of a positive outcome, it is necessary that their spinal compression is identified before they lose all bladder sensation and experience 'painless retention of urine'. Once their nerve function has reached this degree of dysfunction, recovery is less likely and symptoms may become permanent.
It is essential, therefore, that medical professionals are able to recognise the possible early symptoms, such as altered perineal sensation and altered urinary experience, and that they make a referral for an emergency MRI scan when this is appropriate.
Medical negligence and compensation claims
If diagnosis is delayed due to unfamiliarity with the symptoms or a failure to carry out an examination, or a failure to make a timely referral for an MRI scan, the relevant medical professional may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
If the patient suffers a poor long-term outcome as a result of the delay, deteriorating to complete cauda equina syndrome and permanent loss of function, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation, if you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of cauda equina syndrome due to substandard medical care.
We have extensive experience of supporting cauda equina syndrome claims and will be very happy to advise you.
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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