If you have suffered from Cauda Equina Syndrome and your condition was exacerbated by the actions (or more likely, the inactions) of medical staff, you could have grounds for a cauda equina claim.
Medical management of Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda Equina Syndrome is considered to be a medical emergency. This means medical professionals should waste no time in diagnosing and treating the condition. If managed correctly, doctors will recognise a patient’s symptoms as the classic signs of spinal nerve compression. These can include:-
- Severe back pain;
- Leg pain;
- Urinary problems (such as difficulty voiding);
- Poor anal tone;
- Loss of sensation in the legs and genitalia.
If a patient presents to a local doctor’s surgery with such health complaints, the attending GP must refer him or her straight to hospital upon the suspicion of Cauda Equina Syndrome. Similarly, if a patient goes directly to A&E medical staff should appreciate the significance of their symptoms and quickly make a putative diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome. Further tests should then be promptly carried out to confirm this opinion. Such investigative tests will include:-
- A physical examination to test motor reflexes, anal tone and perineal sensation;
- Blood and urine tests to rule out other conditions such as a urinary tract infection;
- Imaging tests (such as an x-ray or MRI scan) to identify whether there is spinal compression.
Once diagnosed, a patient should undergo surgery to decompress the nerves. This is a matter of urgency and should be performed as soon as possible.
Substandard medical care for Cauda Equina Syndrome
If medical professionals fail to take the course of action as described above, they will have provided a substandard level of medical care. For example, this could include if doctors:-
- Fail to refer a patient to hospital (ie. a GP);
- Fail to recognise the tell-tale signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome;
- Fail to perform a physical examination to help make a diagnosis;
- Fail to carry out further investigative tests;
- Make a misdiagnosis;
- Do not appreciate the need for urgent decompression surgery.
Claiming for Cauda Equina Syndrome
If you or your loved suffered additional injuries because doctors provided substandard medical care for Cauda Equina Syndrome, you will be considered the innocent victim of medical negligence. This means you are entitled to pursue a claim which, if successful, will ensure you are properly compensation for the pain, suffering and financial loss you have experienced as a direct result of your medical treatment.
To find out more, contact us at the Cauda Equina Solicitors and talk to one of our legal experts. We are here to help you claim the compensation you so rightfully deserve.