Spinal Injury Negligence and Cauda Equina Syndrome Compensation Claims
Poor-quality medical care of a possible spinal condition can be life-changing and justify a claim for compensation if the victim suffers permanent loss of function.
Spinal injury and the cauda equina nerves
The most common cause of compression of the cauda equina nerves is a herniated disc. This disabling condition often needs to be diagnosed and treated as a matter of emergency to avoid the patient suffering long-term disability.
A herniated or prolapsed disc can put increasing pressure on the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine causing them to lose function.
As the cauda equina nerves are fundamental to effective bladder, bowel and sexual function, this loss of function can be utterly life-changing.
Cauda equina compression and surgery
If an individual is exhibiting symptoms which may be caused by cauda equina compression it is essential that they undergo an MRI scan at the earliest possible moment to check if their cauda equina nerves are being compressed. If this is the case, they will need decompression surgery as a matter of emergency.
A delay in carrying out an MRI scan can allow the compression of the nerves to continue, thereby increasing the loss of associated function.
A delay in surgery can significantly affect the patient's outcome and the longer the delay, the greater the risk that their loss of function will become permanent.
Symptoms indicative of cauda equina compression
The symptoms which might indicate the need for an emergency MRI scan would include bilateral sciatica-like symptoms, difficulties with bladder function and sensation, as well as altered sensation in the saddle area, around the genitals and around the anus.
A failure to assess a patient for these symptoms when they are already experiencing lower back pain may be regarded as negligent.
A failure to warn a patient of these symptoms and the need to attend hospital immediately might also be considered to be negligent.
Making a claim for compensation
If a patient suffers long-term loss of lower body function due to a failure to identify compression of their cauda equina nerves, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim will take account of any loss of income caused by the negligence as well as the costs of care due to the negligence.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, experts in cauda equina syndrome compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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