Was My Cauda Equina Diagnosis Negligent?
A prompt diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome is fundamental to a client's long-term outcome. If medical professionals cause unnecessary delays in achieving a diagnosis, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the on-going impact.
Diagnosing cauda equina syndrome
There are two essential parts to a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome:
- A clinical assessment which alerts a medical professional to the possibility that the patient is developing cauda equina syndrome. It is crucial that the possible symptoms of this debilitating condition are recognised at this time. If the medical practitioner does not consider that cauda equina compression may be at the root of the problem, they may delay in making a referral for a scan and they may fail to warn the patient of the red flag symptoms.
- An MRI scan which confirms compression of the cauda equina nerves as the cause of the patient's symptoms. Without this scan there is no evidence that the patient's cauda equina nerves are at fault. It is the MRI scan results which should trigger decompression surgery, which may be a medical emergency. Therefore, the MRI scan often needs to be carried out as an emergency and, if necessary, the patient should be transferred to facilities where this can happen.
Symptoms of cauda equina compression
Symptoms which might suggest that a patient is developing compression of their cauda equina nerves could include the following:
- Lower back pain
- Pain and altered sensation in both legs
- Altered sensation in the saddle area
- Altered experience of urination such as having to strain or a poor flow
- Reduced awareness of needing to urinate
- Altered perianal sensation
A patient who exhibits these symptoms should justify a referral for an MRI scan as a matter of urgency.
Why does timing matter?
If a patient is suffering compression of the cauda equina nerves, it is likely to get worse over time. If diagnosis and surgery are delayed for too long, the patient may develop complete cauda equina syndrome, meaning that they could suffer permanent double incontinence and loss of mobility.
It is, therefore, vital that diagnosis is achieved at the earliest point possible, triggering decompression surgery and giving the patient the best possible chance of minimal symptoms.
If delays by medical professionals allow a patient to suffer a deterioration in both condition and outcome, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of expert lawyers, all of whom have extensive experience in cauda equina syndrome claims.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of cauda equina syndrome due to medical delays, contact us to talk to a specialist solicitor 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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