Assessing Red Flag Symptoms in Cauda Equina Syndrome

When a patient visits their GP with pain and tingling in the lower back and legs, it is possible that they have sciatica. It is also possible, however, that they are developing cauda equina syndrome.

When a GP is confronted with a patient with the above symptoms, it is crucial that the medical professional checks for the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. Further symptoms may merit an emergency MRI scan and emergency surgery. A failure to test for additional symptoms may lead to a claim for compensation.

Red flag symptoms

The medical professional should check for the following symptoms and signs:

• Is the patient experiencing any tingling or loss of sensation in the saddle region (this refers to the genital area and buttocks)?
• Can the patient feel themselves when they wipe after they defecate?
• Is the patient experiencing any difficulties with urinating such as having to strain?
• Is the patient experiencing any alteration or loss of sensation during sexual intercourse?
• Are the ankle reflexes weaker than usual?
• Is the anal tone reduced?
• Has the patient suffered any incontinence of urine or faeces?

These symptoms might suggest that the patient is suffering with symptoms due to a problem with their nerve function. An MRI scan may be necessary to confirm if their cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine have become compressed.

If so, this would account for the patient’s problems as the messages of sensation and movement will not be moving between the lower body and the central nervous system.

Warning of red flag symptoms

If the patient is not exhibiting any of the additional red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, it is still necessary to warn them of what these symptoms are and the need to attend A&E as a matter of emergency should these symptoms develop.

A failure to give such advice may also be considered to have been poor care.

Medical negligence

Either of the above scenarios could lead to a patient developing cauda equina syndrome without recognising the urgency of the situation. This is likely to mean that decompression surgery is delayed and their long-term outcome may be poor.

In this circumstance, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.

Speak to a solicitor

Contact us today if you or a loved one have been left with the long-term symptoms of complete cauda equina syndrome due to a delay in your diagnosis and surgery. We have supported many cauda equina syndrome compensation claims and would be happy to advise you.

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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