Cauda Equina Syndrome UK

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare condition in the UK but is nevertheless one that regularly leads to medico-legal litigation.

Cauda equina syndrome in the UK

Cauda equina syndrome is a neurological condition that affects around one in every 33,000 people. It is therefore very rare complaint, but it is one that medical professionals in the UK should still be fully aware of.

The condition occurs when the nerves at the end of the spinal cord – called the cauda equina nerves – become compressed. This can happen in a variety of ways, with the most common cause being a slipped lumbar disc. Other possible causes include a spinal tumour, an infection, an inflammatory disease and a traumatic incident.

The nerves are extremely sensitive, so when they are compressed they will quickly become damaged. When the nerves sustain an injury they will lose function and physical symptoms will arise. The cauda equina nerves serve the pelvic organs and enable sensation in the perineum, buttocks and legs. So when function is lost, the following symptoms will occur:-

• Urinary dysfunction;
• Sexual dysfunction;
• Bowel problems;
• Numbness in the perineum and buttocks (the saddle area);
• Back and leg pain;
• Poor reflexes in the lower leg.

Cauda equina claims UK

When a patient presents with these symptoms, medical practitioners should consider the possible diagnoses – one of which should be cauda equina syndrome. Because cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency, no time should be wasted in confirming whether or not nerve compression is at play.

A physical examination, blood and urine tests and an MRI scan should all be carried out to verify or rule out a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. If it is found that the nerves are being compressed, a patient should undergo emergency decompression surgery.

However, many medical professionals in the UK fail recognise the possibility of cauda equina syndrome and diagnose a more minor condition. This will be very dangerous, as the nerve compression will remain undetected and untreated. The nerves will then become irreparably damaged, leaving a patient to suffer permanent neurological complications.

That is why cauda equina syndrome so regularly leads to a medical negligence claim, as doctors should be able to diagnose and treat the condition in a timely fashion. But unfortunately many fail to do so, leading to life-changing implications for the patient concerned.

Medical negligence solicitors in England and Wales

If you want to know if you can claim for cauda equina syndrome in the UK, contact us today and speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300, from a mobile click to call 01275 334030 or complete our Free Online Enquiry for a no cost, no obligation opinion.

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