If there was a delay in decompressing your spinal haematoma, causing you to suffer cauda equina injuries, you could be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.
To talk to a solicitor about claiming compensation for cauda equina syndrome, please get in touch with us today. We are experts in cauda equina claims and will be able to help you further.
Spinal haematoma
A haematoma is a collection of blood, normally a blood clot, which occurs outside the blood vessels. A haematoma can arise anywhere in the body and is normally associated with some form of blood vessel damage.
A spinal haematoma is when a haematoma develops in the space between an intervertebral disc and the spinal cord. Ordinarily the clot will appear in the subdural or epidural space.
A spinal haematoma is rare. It has a number of potential causes, including:
- Trauma
- Anticoagulation therapy
- Spinal epidural
- Spinal surgery
Spinal haematoma causing cauda equina syndrome
If a haematoma develops in the lower part of the spine, it can press upon the surrounding nerves – such as the cauda equina nerves.
The cauda equina is a bundle of nerves that begin at the base of the spine, and spread down through the pelvis, buttocks and legs. Together they enable movement and sensation in the legs, bladder, sexual organs and peri-anal region.
If a haematoma presses upon the cauda equina nerves, it will damage the nerves and cause them to lose function. This is called cauda equina syndrome.
Haematoma is an uncommon cause of cauda equina syndrome. Most cases occur due to a slipped disc, with other possible causes including tumours, abscess, inflammation, stenosis and trauma.
Treating a spinal haematoma
A spinal haematoma must be treated immediately to prevent the nerves sustaining too much damage. If they are compressed for too long, the nerves will not recover and the loss of function will be permanent.
Medical practitioners must therefore be quick to spot the signs associated with cauda equina compression, such as urinary retention, loss of sensation around the peri-anal region, and lax anal tone.
Suspicions should be especially raised if a patient has recently undergone surgery or had medication that increase the risk of spinal haematoma. For instance, a recent history of spinal surgery, epidural or anticoagulant therapy.
Once cauda equina syndrome is suspected, a patient should be taken for an MRI scan. This will reveal the haematoma and decompression surgery should be conducted without delay.
Failure to treat spinal haematoma resulting in cauda equina injuries
If you have been left with cauda equina injuries because a spinal haematoma was not diagnosed and treated in a reasonable amount of time, there could be grounds for a claim. Contact us for more information.