If you have been diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome, you will want to know what your prognosis for recovery might be, and whether or not your condition could be permanent. In this article we explore the issue of cauda equina recovery in more detail, helping you to understand what the future may hold.
Recovering from Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda Equina Syndrome is when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed, causing them to suffer injury. Within a short space of time, the nerves will become so damaged that they lose function, leading to bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction, sciatic-like pain and loss of sensation around the buttocks and genitalia.
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare condition, but it is a very serious one, as the outlook for recovery will depend upon how quickly medical intervention is provided. Indeed, if the nerves are decompressed shortly after symptoms appear, a patient has a good chance of making a full recovery. This is because the nerves will not be irreparably damaged. The nerves cells will be able to regenerate, and while this may take up to a year, a patient can go on to regain full function once again.
Can Cauda Equina Syndrome be permanent?
However, if compression continues for too long, the nerves will be severely damaged. It is difficult to say exactly how long this will take, as it will vary from case to case. If a patient has acute Cauda Equina Syndrome (where symptoms develop very quickly), experts suggest decompression surgery must be performed within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
If there is a delay and the nerves are placed under significant pressure for too long, the nerve cells will die and they will not re-grow. In such an event, the patient will be left with permanent complications. These can include:-
- Difficulty urinating, necessitating self-catheterisation;
- Altered bowel habits;
- Sexual dysfunction;
- Loss of sensation around the buttocks and genitalia;
- Chronic lower back and leg pain;
- Partial or total loss of paralysis in the legs.
Claiming for long-term cauda equina complications
If you have been left with long-term cauda equina complications, you will understandably be very upset by what has happened. However, there might be a way for you to seek justice, as you may be able to pursue a medical negligence claim. This will apply to anyone who has suffered complications as a result of medical negligence. For example, if doctors failed to make an accurate diagnosis, despite the fact you were displaying the signs typically associated with cauda equina compression, they will not have provided an acceptable standard of care. You will consequently be entitled to compensation for the physical, financial and emotional damage this has caused.
To find out whether you are in a position to claim cauda equina compensation, contact us today at the Cauda Equina Solicitors.