Cauda Equina Syndrome Double Incontinence

Severe bladder and bowel problems are a frequent cause of substantial compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome. If you are struggling with these devastating symptoms, speak to a solicitor as you may be entitled to compensation if your diagnosis or treatment were delayed.

Cauda equina syndrome and incontinence

Cauda equina syndrome is caused when the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spinal cord become compressed, reducing the functioning of the nerves. If diagnosed and surgically decompressed promptly, it is possible to stop, and sometimes reverse, this process. But a failure to recognise or act on early symptoms can, instead, leave the patient with highly distressing bowel and bladder problems:

• Urgency when needing to empty the bowels, meaning that the patient cannot stray far from a toilet
• Inability to prevent the passing of faeces, requiring a colostomy bag
• Inability to control wind
• Inability to sense or control the need to urinate, requiring self-catheterisation

Impact on quality of life

Understandably, these symptoms can have a dramatic impact on a person’s daily life. It can make it difficult to travel and to work, especially in professions that require an element of interaction with other people.

It can make leaving the home to do the shopping or to socialise a complicated process which may require extensive planning.

It can significantly reduce a parent’s ability to support and nurture their children in ways they might otherwise have wished for, such as taking them to the park or swimming.

Additional symptoms

As if that were not enough, the loss of function of the cauda equina nerves can also impact on a person’s sexual function and their mobility.

The cauda equina nerves control sensation and movement in the legs and, where surgery is delayed, the patient may suffer with muscle weakness and foot drop, significantly reducing their mobility.

Claiming compensation

The long-term effects of cauda equina syndrome can be so debilitating and unpleasant that it is imperative that GPs and A&E practitioners err on the side of caution when presented with possible early symptoms.

When a patient presents with lower back and leg pain, especially if they are complaining of altered sensation when urinating, it is time to take action.

A delay in referring a patient for an MRI scan, can allow a further deterioration in symptoms and lead to permanent dysfunction.

A failure to warn the patient of the red flag symptoms of the condition can lead to a delay on the part of the patient which could have been avoided.

Speak to a solicitor

Permanent cauda equina syndrome can dramatically affect a person’s life, causing considerable financial losses and physical difficulties with everyday activities.

Compensation can help to deal with these problems and reduce the emotional impact of this appalling condition.

Contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss your experience. We regularly support claims for cauda equina syndrome negligence and would be happy to advise 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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