Symptoms Misdiagnosis and Compensation for Cauda Equina Negligence
A misdiagnosis could leave a patient with complete cauda equina syndrome and justify a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina syndrome misdiagnosis
Cauda equina syndrome is a fairly rare condition. At the same time, it can often be a medical emergency. Consequently, knowledgeable and timely medical care is vital. If a medical professional has any concerns as to the underlying cause of their patient's symptoms, they should seek further advice.
Symptoms which might indicate that a patient is developing cauda equina syndrome could include the following:
- Lower back pain
- Pain and altered sensation in the legs, especially where both legs are affected
- Altered or reduced sensation in the perineal area and around the anus
- Altered bladder function such as having to strain or a poor urinary flow
- Altered bowel function
If the patient's symptoms are misdiagnosed, it could lead to a significant delay in achieving an accurate diagnosis during which time the patient's condition may deteriorate.
If the patient's symptoms are unclear, further examination and tests may identify additional signs which could provide support for a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome.
If this appalling condition is suspected to be the cause of the patient's symptoms, an MRI scan is necessary, often as a matter of emergency, to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
A delay in referring the patient for an MRI scan due to a misdiagnosis of their symptoms or a failure to examine, may be regarded as negligent.
Claiming compensation
If failings in healthcare by medical professionals leave a patient suffering a poor outcome which would not otherwise have been the case, they are entitled to claim compensation for the consequences of that negligence.
Where cauda equina syndrome is concerned, the consequences can be life-changing such as an inability to work, a reliance on personal care and the need for accommodation to be altered.
A successful compensation claim would incorporate these financial losses as well as recognising the patient's pain and suffering.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you are considering making a claim, you would be best advised to speak with a legal specialist.
They will have the expertise to investigate the quality of your medical care and assess both the validity and value of your claim.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers. Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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