Bladder recovery after cauda equina syndrome will depend upon how badly the nerves are damaged.
Bladder dysfunction and cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves at the base of the spine are compressed, resulting in neurological dysfunction. Amongst other things, the nerves enable sensation and function in the bladder. Cauda equina syndrome therefore leads to bladder impairment, with symptoms such as:
- Poor stream
- Reduced sensation
- Increased frequency
- Inability to fully empty the bladder
- Need to stand or strain to urinate
- Urinary retention
Long-term bladder damage
If the pressure being placed upon the cauda equina nerves is alleviated quickly enough, it is possible that the nerves will recover. In turn, this means that bladder function will also recover. It can take some time for things to return to normal, as symptoms can improve for up to five years after the operation. Nevertheless, bladder function can be preserved if surgery is performed in time.
However, if treatment is delayed for any reason, the nerves will suffer severe injuries, so much so that they will not be able to recover. This means that any neurological dysfunction will be permanent – including bladder dysfunction.
Was your treatment delayed?
If your cauda equina treatment was delayed, resulting in permanent bladder dysfunction, you need to ask why this delay happened.
If you arrived at hospital and you were already in urinary retention, it will have been too late to carry out emergency surgery as the nerves will already have been irreparably harmed. In this instance, medical practitioners cannot be blamed for your injuries.
On the other hand, if you arrived at hospital with some bladder control, medical practitioners should have taken immediate action. This is because there is a chance that the nerves will make a successful recovery. If they fail to take action – perhaps due to a delay in diagnosis – and meanwhile you progress to cauda equina with retention, medical practitioners will be held liable.
If medical practitioners are responsible for your bladder dysfunction, you could be entitled to pursue a medical negligence claim for compensation.
Contact a solicitor today
To speak to a lawyer about claiming compensation for cauda equina syndrome, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. We specialise in cauda equina claims, making us well placed to help. After an initial telephone consultation, we will advise you of your options, suggesting whether you are able to claim financial redress.