A cauda equina lesion must be effectively treated in a timely manner or the cauda equina nerves will suffer extensive damage. This will lead to long-term neurological dysfunction.
What is a cauda equina lesion?
A lesion describes an abnormality of the body’s tissue due to injury or disease. Thus it is quite a broad term that can describe anything from a cut to the skin to a cancerous tumour.
A cauda equina lesion is a tissue abnormality that affects the cauda equina. The cauda equina is a bundle of nerves located at the base of the spine, in the lumber region. If a lesion occurs in this area, it can press upon the nerves, causing them to suffer harm.
Examples of a cauda equina lesion include:
- Space-occupying lesions such as tumours and abscesses
- Lesions sustained during a traumatic accident
- Spinal lesions
Treating a cauda equina lesion
When a lesion presses upon the cauda equina nerves, it will soon cause the nerves to become injured. The nerves are very sensitive and any form of compression will adversely affect their function. After a period of time, the damage will be extensive and the dysfunction will be permanent.
Therefore a cauda equina lesion must be treated before permanent neurological damage occurs. There is only a small window of opportunity in which neurological damage can be avoided or, at least, minimised. Consequently a patient’s treatment must be expedited as any delays could create serious complications.
Cauda equina compression, also called ‘cauda equina syndrome’, is normally treated with decompression surgery. Where the compression is being caused by a lesion, the underlying cause must also be treated. For example, if a patient has a spinal tumour, cancer care must be arranged.
Failure to treat cauda equina lesion
If cauda equina syndrome is not treated in time, it will not be possible to salvage bladder, bowel and sexual function. There may also be a long-term weakness in the legs, making mobility difficult.
If you have been left with neurological complications because doctors did not diagnose and treat your cauda equina lesion within a reasonable amount of time, you should speak to a solicitor about the options available to you. You could be entitled to claim compensation if your injuries occurred as a result of substandard medical care.
Expert legal advice
To talk to a solicitor today, please get in touch with the team at Glynns Solicitors.