Surgery for cauda equina syndrome can be a medical emergency. A patient with the early symptoms of the condition must know when to act.
The long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome
For a patient who is left with permanent cauda equina syndrome, the long-term effects can be distressing.
If surgery is undertaken too late, the patient may be left with a combination of symptoms such as:
- Bladder incontinence
- Wind and faecal incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Lower limb weakness or loss of mobility
Timing of surgery
The timing of surgery for a patient developing cauda equina syndrome is absolutely crucial. If the patient undergoes decompression surgery before total loss of urinary control and sensation, there is a good chance that their symptoms will not deteriorate further and they may experience some recovery of function.
If surgery does not take place until after the loss of urinary function, the patient is more likely to experience a poor outcome with no recovery of function.
Awareness of Red Flags Symptoms
It is, therefore, imperative, and evidence of a good standard of care, that a patient who is suffering with pain in the lower back and legs is made aware of both the nature of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and the need for immediate attendance at A&E should they start to develop those symptoms.
The patient needs to know that the following symptoms are significant:
- If tingling and/or numbness in one leg spreads to the other
- If there is a loss of feeling around the anus and between the legs
- If there is an alteration in the patient’s experience of urinating such as a poor flow or need to strain
A failure to warn of red flags
If the patient is not advised to act on the development of key symptoms, they may not recognise the significance of those symptoms and therefore delay their attendance at A&E.
This delay may allow a further deterioration of their symptoms leading to the above scenario where surgery has less chance of a positive outcome.
Medical Negligence
Where a medical practitioner fails to warn a patient with early signs of cauda equina syndrome about the associated red flags, they may be considered to have provided a substandard level of care.
If the patient is left with long-term symptoms of cauda equina syndrome due to such a delay, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor if your poor cauda equina syndrome outcome could have been avoided with the correct advice.