Surgery Delays and Claiming Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
If surgery for nerve compression is delayed, a patient may be left with permanent cauda equina syndrome and all its debilitating symptoms. If medical professionals are responsible for the delay and the poor outcome, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Why is the timing of surgery so important?
Cauda equina syndrome is caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine. If the nerves become compressed by, for example, a herniated disc, they will start to lose function. As time passes, the compression may increase and greater loss of crucial lower body function is experienced by the patient. Early diagnosis and surgery is essential to a good outcome. If medical professionals have contributed to delays in diagnosis and surgery, allowing the patient's condition and symptoms to deteriorate, surgery may not be successful in restoring function. In these circumstances, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Early surgery, before the patient loses complete bladder sensation, is associated with a better outcome for patients with cauda equina syndrome. Surgery which is delayed beyond the point where bladder sensation is lost may leave the patient with permanent double incontinence, loss of mobility and loss of sexual function.
Medical negligence
If medical professionals fail to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and delay in making a referral for an MRI scan or delay in initiating surgery, the patient may suffer the above life-changing symptoms which, with better quality of care, may have been avoided.
If so, the law entitles the individual affected by the negligence to claim compensation for their pain, suffering and the financial impact of their symptoms, such as a loss fo income due to debilitating loss of function.
Symptoms which should alert medical professionals to the possibility that the patient is experiencing cauda equina nerve compression could include the following:
- Sciatica symptoms of pain, weakness and altered sensation in both legs
- Altered sensation in the saddle area between the legs, around the genitals and around the anus
- Altered bladder sensation
- Altered urinary experience such as having to strain to empty the bladder
- Altered sexual experience
- Altered bowel sensation and function
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome are extremely complex and require the expertise of a specialist lawyer. Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced solicitors.
Contact us today if you or a family member are struggling with the impact of this appalling condition due to negligent medical care.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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