Abnormal bladder sensation or function is a sign of cauda equina syndrome. If you also have other symptoms associated with cauda equina syndrome, you need to seek immediate medical help.
If doctors fail to urgently investigate your symptoms, despite the fact they correspond with a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome, you could be entitled to claim compensation.
For more information, please get in touch with us today. We are a specialist team of clinical negligence solicitors with expertise in cauda equina claims.
Abnormal bladder sensation and cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is when the cauda equina nerves are compressed and damaged. The cauda equina nerves allow sensation and function in the bladder. So when the nerves are damaged, it follows that sensation and function will be reduced/lost.
Normally people with cauda equina syndrome find that they need to strain to pass urine. This will get gradually worse until urine cannot be passed at all. This is called urinary retention.
There may also be reduced sensation when passing urine and when wiping the area afterwards. Again, this can get progressively worse until there is a total absence of feeling. This can be so severe that the individual is not even aware of the need to urinate.
Other symptoms associated with cauda equina syndrome
However, just because you have abnormal bladder sensation does not necessarily mean that you have cauda equina syndrome. There are other symptoms that will appear with cauda equina syndrome, including:
- Lower back pain
- Reduce saddle sensation (in the perineum, buttocks, anus and genitalia)
- Weakness in the legs/feet, with foot drop, poor reflexes and limited mobility
If you have abnormal bladder sensation/function alongside these other symptoms, you should be suspected of having cauda equina syndrome. An MRI scan should be carried out immediately to confirm a diagnosis.
Failure to recognise cauda equina syndrome
Abnormal bladder sensation/function, reduced saddle sensation and nerve root pain in the back/legs are all red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. When they appear together, medical practitioners should know that a patient must be urgently referred for an MRI scan. If the results show a cauda equina compression, decompression surgery must be performed without delay.
If there is a failure to achieve this standard of care with a cauda equina patient, there could be grounds for a medical negligence compensation claim. If you or your loved one has been harmed because of poor cauda equina care, please get in touch with us today.