Suing the NHS for Poor Medical Care of Cauda Equina Syndrome
For a patient to achieve the best possible outcome from cauda equina syndrome, it may be necessary for several aspects of the healthcare service to respond promptly and knowledgeably.
Effective management of CES
Cauda equina syndrome can be a medical emergency and every step of the path from diagnosis to surgery needs to be competently carried out.
- Whether a patient initially attends their GP, or Accident and Emergency, or calls NHS 111, it is crucial that their symptoms are recognised and the appropriate response is provided.
- If the patient needs immediate further investigation, it is essential that an immediate referral is made
- If the patient does not need an immediate MRI scan but may, in time, develop cauda equina syndrome, it is vital that they are warned of the red flag symptoms and the need to go to hospital immediately
- If an MRI scan is needed as a matter of emergency, it is incumbent upon the hospital either to organise this examination in-house or to arrange to transfer the patient as promptly as possible to a facility that is able to carry out this task
- A prompt and accurate report of the MRI scan is necessary
- Where surgery is considered to be necessary as a matter of emergency, it is crucial that this is arranged
The effects of medical negligence
A delay or failure at any one of these stages can mean that the patient's condition deteriorates before they undergo decompression surgery.
In the case of cauda equina syndrome, even a delay of a day can make a huge difference. Instead of recovering the function of the cauda equina nerves, the damage may become permanent and the patient may face a lifetime of double incontinence, sexual dysfunction and loss of mobility.
If the patient still retains some bladder sensation and function, it seems likely that will have a better chance of improved function rather than if they do not undergo surgery until after their bladder sensation has been lost.
If medical negligence has caused a delay in the treatment for this appalling condition, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors are experts in medical negligence compensation claims with extemsive experience of cauda equina syndrome cases.
Contact us today if you or a loved one are struggling with the on-going impact of delays in medical management of cauda equina syndrome.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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