Was My Cauda Equina Syndrome Diagnosis Negligent?
The long-term effects of complete cauda equina syndrome can be severely debilitating and distressing. Where such an outcome could have been avoided by a speedier diagnosis, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Outcomes in cauda equina syndrome
If the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome develop suddenly or the patient is aware they have symptoms of something but delay their attendance at the GP or Accident and Emergency unit, it is possible that medical professionals could not have averted the patient's poor long-term outcome.
However, where opportunities to diagnose the condition at an early stage were missed by medical professionals, a compensation claim might be the way forward.
The timing of surgery for cauda equina syndrome is absolutely crucial and if the optimum moment is missed, the patient is less likely to recover the lower body function which they have already lost.
Diagnosis can be delayed due to a variety of scenarios.
Failure to examine
If a patient attends their GP or Accident and Emergency unit with the possible early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, it might be considered a good standard of care for an examination to be carried out to assess whether other symptoms are present. This might include a straight leg raising test, a pin-prick test and a digital, rectal examination.
The patient should also be questioned as to any bladder or bowel symptoms they might be experiencing.
Failure to warn
If the patient has possible early symptoms, such as lower back and leg pain, but not sufficient signs to warrant an emergency referral, they should be advised by their medical practitioner of the red flag symptoms which should alert them to attend Accident and Emergency immediately.
Misdiagnosis and failure to refer
A delay in diagnosis can also come about due to inexperience or the lack of knowledge of the medical professional.
If the patient's symptoms are not recognised as possibly being those of cauda equina syndrome, it is unlikely to lead to an emergency referral.
The patient is then likely to receive an alternative diagnosis and no red flag warnings, meaning that they may develop further symptoms without understanding the sinister nature of those symptoms and the urgency with which they need to take action.
Medical negligence
If you attended a medical professional with the early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and they did not take the necessary action, they might be regarded as having acted negligently.
If you are suffering the appalling, on-going effects of complete cauda equina syndrome as a result, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Get legal advice
Here at Glynns Solicitors we have supported numerous clients in making highly-successful compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor regarding your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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