Where Does Cauda Equina Start?
Cauda equina syndrome is a condition initiated by failure of the nerves in the lower back. If medical professionals fail to provide appropriate care of this appalling syndrome, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
The origins of cauda equina syndrome
The cauda equina nerves are located at the base of the spine in the lower, or lumbar, region of the back. Cauda equina syndrome is caused when these nerves become squashed, causing them to lose function. This may be due to the impact of a nearby herniated or ruptured disc or another condition which can push against the nerves such as a tumour.
Consequently, lower back pain can be an early indicator that an individual is developing this terrible syndrome. It is important to state, of course, that this is a relatively rare condition and that lower back pain is most often caused by other problems.
However, if an individual is developing cauda equina syndrome, diagnosis and treatment are a matter of emergency. The long-term symptoms of this shocking condition, if surgery is not undertaken promptly, can include the following:
- Loss of mobility, or paralysis
- Bowel incontinence of both wind and faeces
- Loss of bladder function
- Loss of sexual sensation and function
Diagnosis requires that a medical professional recognises the possible symptoms and makes a prompt referral for an MRI scan. This will frequently necessitate an emergency scan. The purpose of an MRI scan is to identify what is happening in the lower back and whether compression of the cauda equina nerves is, indeed, the cause of the patient's symptoms. Surgery will not take place without this scan and associated confirmation of compression.
Negligent care of cauda equina syndrome
Scrupulous and competent medical management of cauda equina syndrome is absolutely crucial to a positive patient outcome. Negligence can occur at a number of points in the care pathway such as the following:
- A failure to recognise the possible symptoms and to make an appropriate referral
- A misdiagnosis, leading to a delay in treatment
- A failure to assess a patient for possible signs and symptoms
- A failure to warn a patient of the red flag symptoms and the need to attend hospital as a matter of emergency
- A delay in carrying out an MRI scan or, where appropriate, decompression surgery, leaving the patient with a worse outcome than would have been the case with more timely care.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking impact of cauda equina syndrome due to negligence medical care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation. A successful claim would take account of the financial losses, such as a reduced income, associated with the impact of the negligence.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation, to discuss the suitability 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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