What is Cauda Equina Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence in relation to the cauda equina nerves usually refers to a failure to diagnose compression of the nerves and a delay in carrying out decompression of the nerves when necessary.
Why is compression of the cauda equina nerves a problem?
Without prompt diagnosis and treatment in the form of surgery, compression of the cauda equina nerves can cause permanent and severe disability.
These nerves in the lower back are crucial for effective functioning of the bowel, bladder, sexual organs and lower limbs.
A delay in medical care can leave a patient with a lifetime of double incontinence, loss of mobility and sexual dysfunction.
The implications of such an appalling outcome are life-changing. A patient can be deprived of their capacity to work due to their symptoms and may become reliant on personal care, struggling to remain independent in their own home.
Diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome
Diagnosis of cauda equina compression requires both a clinical assessment as well as the confirmation of an MRI scan.
Symptoms which might suggest that a patient is developing this shocking condition could include sciatica-type symptoms in both legs, altered sensation in the perineal and perianal regions, altered bladder and urinary sensation or altered bowel sensation or function.
Once cauda equina syndrome is suspected, an MRI scan is required to confirm if the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms is, indeed, compression of the cauda equina nerves.
If compression of the nerves is confirmed, surgery to decompress the nerves is often necessary as promptly as possible to avoid the risk of the patient suffering further deterioration in their symptoms and function.
Medical negligence in relation to cauda equina syndrome
Medical negligence which risks the patient suffering a poor long-term outcome can occur in a number of ways during the diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating condition:
- A failure to recognise or suspect the possible symptoms of cauda equina compression
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of the patient, thereby missing important symptoms
- A delay in making a referral for an MRI scan or in carrying out an MRI scan
- A failure to warn a patient of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina compression
- A delay in initiating surgery for cauda equina compression.
Claiming compensation for cauda equina negligence
If a patient suffers significant difficulties due to delays in the medical management of cauda equina syndrome which they would not have experienced with more competent care, they may be able to make a claim for compensation.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers with extensive expertise in cauda equina claims.
Contact us if you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of cauda equina syndrome 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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