Acute Cauda Equina Syndrome

At the bottom of the spine is a bundle of nerves called the ‘cauda equina’, so called because it has been likened to a horse’s tail. Together these root nerves serve the lower limbs, provide sensation to the buttocks and genitalia, and control the bowel, bladder and sexual function. If these nerves should become compressed … Read more

At What Point Should Doctors Diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome?

When deciding whether a patient requires further investigation to confirm or exclude the possibility of Cauda Equina Syndrome, there are certain factors that will influence the opinion of a medical professional. When should doctors consider further investigations? Bladder and bowel symptoms are the most obvious indication of spinal nerve compression. These include a history of … Read more

Claiming Against Your GP For Cauda Equina Syndrome

Despite being a rare condition, Cauda Equina Syndrome is a common source of litigation. Cauda equina claims against GPs are particularly prevalent, as many general practitioners fail to understand the meaning of a patient’s symptoms, thereby causing a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Why do GPs fail to diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome? Between 2003 and … Read more

How Is Cauda Equina Syndrome Caused?

Cauda Equina Syndrome is when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed, resulting in a pattern of neurological symptoms. In this article we explore how this nerve compression can happen. Common causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome There are a number of ways in which Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) can occur, including:- … Read more

Junior Doctors Fail To Spot Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome is thought to affect between one in 33,000 to one in 100,000 people in the UK each year. It is therefore a very rare condition, and not all medical professionals will come across it during the course of their career. Negligence of junior doctors in A&E Even so, doctors should have an … Read more

Questions Doctors Should Ask When Diagnosing Cauda Equina Syndrome

When a patient presents with symptoms associated with Cauda Equina Syndrome, there are a number of essential questions doctors must ask that will help lead them to an accurate diagnosis. Essential Questions Doctors Must Ask The process of diagnosing Cauda Equina Syndrome should begin with an examination, during which a doctor must ask the patient … Read more

Common Cauda Equina Syndrome Misdiagnoses

Cauda Equina Syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed. However, this can have terrible consequences, as cauda equina is a condition that must be treated immediately if a patient is to regain normal function. If you have suffered because of a cauda equina misdiagnosis, you need to talk to a solicitor about making a medical negligence claim. Was … Read more

Do I Have To Pay For A Medical Negligence Claim?

If you are thinking about making a cauda equina medical negligence claim, you might be worried about how much it is going to cost you. Pursuing legal action is often associated with large solicitor’s fees, and this concern might deter you from claiming the compensation you rightfully deserve. How much will a cauda equina medical … Read more

How Should Cauda Equina Syndrome Be Treated?

Cauda Equina Syndrome must be treated with decompression surgery, as this is the only way to effectively relieve the nerves from pressure. This operation should be performed as soon as symptoms begin to present. If there is a delay, serious questions must be raised as to why treatment was not provided sooner. If the reason … Read more

Prognosis For Cauda Equina Syndrome

The prognosis for Cauda Equina Syndrome is dependent upon various factors, the most important being the length of time between the presentation of symptoms and treatment. This is because the longer the nerves are compressed for, the less likely it is that a patient will regain normal function. What is the likely prognosis for Cauda … Read more

Psychological Injuries After Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome regularly results in long-standing physical problems, in turn causing significant psychological harm. If this has happened to you, you could be entitled to claim compensation – not only for the damage that has been done to your physical health, but also to your mental wellbeing. Why does Cauda Equina Syndrome result in … Read more

Delay in Treating Spinal Injuries

Anyone who has a spinal injury must be given urgent treatment. If there is a delay, the patient will be at risk of sustaining serious long-term complications. Urgent treatment for spinal injuries Spinal injuries are always extremely worrying and medical professionals must take care to follow the correct course of action. There should not be … Read more

How To Get Compensation For Cauda Equina Syndrome

If you have had Cauda Equina Syndrome which was negligently managed by medical professionals, and this caused to you suffer further injury, you will entitled to compensation for the damages you have incurred. Read on to find out how. Claiming for cauda equina negligence To make a medical negligence claim for Cauda Equina Syndrome, it … Read more

How Can The Repair Of Dural Tears Result In Cauda Equina Syndrome?

If you have been given treatment for a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and have subsequently developed Cauda Equina Syndrome, you will want to know why this happened, and whether or not there is anything you can do about it. Read on to find out more. Surgical Mistakes That Cause Cauda Equina Syndrome During lower spinal … Read more

How Does The Claims Process Work?

If you are thinking about making a claim for Cauda Equina Syndrome, you will first want to know how the claims process works. In this article we take you through each stage, ensuring you know what to expect when it comes to making a medical negligence claim. Making a cauda equina claim If you believe … Read more

Is Treatment For Cauda Equina Syndrome Urgent?

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a medical emergency. This means that urgent treatment must be provided if a patient is to avoid serious, long-term complications. In this article we explore why urgent treatment is so vital, and the possible consequences if it is delayed. Why is urgent treatment vital for Cauda Equina Syndrome? At the bottom … Read more

Medicolegal Implications of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Every year, a very small number of people in the UK will suffer from Cauda Equina Syndrome. It is a rare condition, but is one that often results in a high value medical negligence claim. A common source of litigation Cauda Equina Syndrome attracts a large amount of medicolegal claims. The reasons for this are … Read more

Warning Signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare condition. Nevertheless, a competent medical professional will be aware of the condition, and moreover will be able recognise the warning signs of nerve compression. If there is a failure to do so, the quality of care will have dropped to a substandard level. Red flag symptoms – the warning … Read more

Choosing A Cauda Equina Solicitor

If you are thinking about making a claim for Cauda Equina Syndrome, you need to get the right legal assistance on your side. However, with so many medical negligence solicitors to choose from, who exactly should you pick? To help you decide, we have put together a few questions you need to ask when selecting … Read more

How Can A Cauda Equina Solicitor Help You?

If you have been adversely affected by cauda equina syndrome, you may be able to claim compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured. A solicitor that specialises in cauda equina claims will be able to provide the support and advice you need. Cauda Equina Syndrome Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves at … Read more