Does Bilateral Sciatica Mean I Have Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Symptoms of bilateral sciatica may mean that you have a far more serious condition and probably merit an urgent MRI scan.

Bilateral sciatica

Pain, tingling and weakness in both legs does not necessarily mean that you have cauda equina syndrome. However, it could indicate that you are developing this appalling condition and you probably require an urgent MRI scan in order to confirm the cause of your symptoms.

Sciatica in one leg may be just that. It may not be a sign of anything more sinister, but if your pain and associated symptoms start to spread to your other leg, it is more suggestive that the cauda equina nerves are at fault.

Cauda equina dysfunction

It may be that your cauda equina nerves, located at the base of the spine, are becoming compressed by an underlying condition of the spine such as a herniated disc. The compression of these nerves will cause them to cease to function. One sign of this can be the sciatica-like symptoms which you may be experiencing.

Unfortunately, once the impact has spread to both legs, it is quite possible that your condition will continue to deteriorate. You may start to experience tingling in the saddle region as well as some bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction such as loss of sensation. Indeed, you may already be suffering some of these symptoms.

If you are developing these symptoms, it is vital that you undergo an MRI scan as a matter of emergency.

Surgery for cauda equina syndrome

Decompression surgery for cauda equina syndrome seems to be most effective if it is carried out before the patient loses bladder sensation. However, the deterioration of symptoms can happen very quickly and, once the patient has started to experience red flag symptoms such as the above, time is of the essence. A delay in accessing emergency services at this point can mean the difference between a good outcome and a lifetime of incontinence and disability.

Medical negligence

A medical professional who fails to recognise the significance of cauda equina syndrome red flag symptoms, or fails to warn the patient about them, may well be considered to have acted negligently.

If you attend your GP or A&E unit with incomplete cauda equina syndrome but medical delays mean that your symptoms deteriorate before surgery is carried out, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

If your long-term outcome is deemed to be significantly worse than would have been the case had your medical practitioners acted more promptly, a compensation claim may be appropriate.

Contact us today to talk 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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