What are the ‘red flag’ symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and why does the patient need to be warned to look out for them?
Before we cover red flag symptoms in detail, here are some other articles to help you if you or a relative are suffering from Cauda Equina:
- What is Cauda Equina Syndrome, and what causes it?
- Claiming compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
- Free Guide to Cauda Equina Syndrome
Red flag symptoms
Cauda equina syndrome ‘red flag’ symptoms are those symptoms which should alert a medical practitioner to the possibility that the patient is developing the condition and that immediate action may be necessary.
A patient with the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome is likely to be exhibiting some of the following:
- Bilateral sciatica (pain and altered sensation in the legs)
- Bladder dysfunction such as having to strain or an altered flow or altered awareness of the need to urinate
- Tingling or numbness in the saddle area between the legs and around the anus
- Alteration of sexual sensation
- Weakness in the legs and ankle reflexes
- Alteration in bowel function
If a patient attends their GP or A&E unit with these symptoms, they should merit a referral for an immediate MRI.
They are in danger of developing complete cauda equina syndrome and need confirmation of the cause of their symptoms as a matter of emergency.
If a diagnosis of cauda equina compression is confirmed they may need immediate surgery within hours.
Early symptoms
A patient who may be only at the early stages of cauda equina syndrome (and who may never develop the condition) needs to be advised of the red flag symptoms and the importance of an immediate visit to Accident & Emergency should they start to develop.
Early symptoms which might suggest that the patient is at risk of developing cauda equina syndrome could include the following:
- pain from the lower back spreading into the legs
- altered sensation or tingling in the legs
- weakness in the legs and reflexes
If the patient is experiencing these symptoms in both legs, they may require an urgent MRI scan to assess the state of their cauda equina nerves as they could be considered to be at risk.
Complete cauda equina syndrome
Once the patient has lost sensation in the bladder and is no longer aware of the need to urinate, they are considered to have complete cauda equina syndrome.
At this point, surgery may be less effective but an urgent MRI scan should still be undertaken to confirm a diagnosis and clarify what action to take.
Medical negligence
A failure to explain the red flag symptoms to a patient who may be developing cauda equina syndrome may be considered to have been negligent. If the patient subsequently deteriorates to the point where surgery is less effective because they were not advised of the need to attend A&E, they may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Contact us to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor if you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling long-term effects of cauda equina syndrome due to a failing by your medical practitioner.