If cauda equina syndrome in left untreated, the consequences will be devastating. In this article we explore the effects on untreated cauda equina syndrome in more detail.
Untreated cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency. This means it must be immediately treated with decompression surgery if permanent complications are to be avoided.
There is much debate as to how long a patient has before long-term problems occur. Generally it is agreed that in acute cases, surgery must be carried out within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. This will give the patient a strong chance of making a good, if not full, recovery.
If surgery is delayed for more than 48 hours, it is very likely that a patient will progress to the complete stage of the condition, after which treatment will not be effective.
Cauda equina complications
If cauda equina syndrome is not treated in time, a patient will be left with a number of long-term complications. These will include some or all of the following:-
- Bladder dysfunction, with the need for intermittent self-catheterisation
- Bowel dysfunction, with the need to take laxatives/constipating agents or undertake manual evacuation
- Loss of sexual sensation and erectile dysfunction in men
- Partial or total paralysis in the legs
- Persistent lower back pain and sciatic pain
These problems will of course have a life-changing impact upon the individual’s life, often causing serious emotional, relationship and financial difficulties.
Are medical professionals to blame?
When a patient is left with permanent cauda equina complications, he/she will be extremely upset about what the future holds. But is anyone to blame for the awful damage that has been incurred?
In some cases, it will simply be that a patient did not seek medical attention in time, only presenting to a doctor when the condition was complete. In others, however, medical error will be at play. Indeed, cauda equina syndrome is often misdiagnosed in the early stages, meaning a patient does not receive the treatment that is so urgently needed. The condition is only correctly diagnosed in the later stages, by which point it is too late.
If medical error is to blame for a delay in treatment, there may be grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Cauda equina claim
If you or your loved one has suffered permanent cauda equina complications because the condition was left untreated, please get in touch with us to discuss your options. You could be entitled to pursue compensation.