Can You Recover From Cauda Equina Syndrome?

The symptoms of cauda equina syndrome are caused by the compression of nerves at the base of the spine and recovery appears to depend largely on how much damage has been caused to those nerves at the time the patient undergoes surgery.

Early symptoms

A patient who is in the early stages of cauda equina syndrome is likely to be experiencing the following symptoms:

• Pain, tingling and/or weakness in one or both legs
• Loss of sensation between the legs and around the anus
• Alteration of experience when urinating such as having to strain or an inability to fully empty the bladder
• Weakness in the ankle reflexes

These symptoms are caused by a loss of function in the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the back due to those nerves being squashed or compressed.

If the condition is not diagnosed, it is likely that the compression will continue and the symptoms will worsen.

Treatment of cauda equina syndrome

Ideally, the condition will be diagnosed when the patient is still only suffering from the above symptoms.

The patient will need to undergo surgery in which the nerves will be decompressed. This may require a discectomy where part or all of a disc in the spine is removed in order to reduce the pressure on the nerves.

It would appear to be widely accepted that surgery for cauda equina syndrome has the greatest chance of bringing about recovery of function when it is carried out as early as possible.

A particular turning point is the state of the patient’s urinary function. If the patient retains some degree of control over their bladder and awareness of the bladder sensations, it would seem that the patient is more likely to recover some or all of their lost function.

Where surgery does not take place until after bladder sensation has been lost, the patient has a reduced chance of recovery of function and may not recover at all.

Permanent symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

If the patient does not receive treatment before the loss of function has developed too far, it is less likely that they will make a recovery and may experience some, or all, of the following symptoms for the rest of their life:

• Bladder incontinence
• Faecal incontinence
• Wind incontinence
• Sexual dysfunction
• Mobility problems
• Foot drop

These symptoms can, obviously, have a devastating and destructive impact on the patient’s life, affecting their ability to work, socialise and function without support.

Medical Negligence

If you or a loved one are suffering with the appalling long-term symptoms of cauda equina syndrome due to a delay in the diagnosis or treatment of the condition, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

Contact us to discuss your experience with specialist medical negligence solicitor. We have supported numerous claims for cauda equina negligence and would be happy to adviser 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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