Cauda equina syndrome can be a life-changing condition producing shocking symptoms of incontinence and paralysis. Are there risk factors associated with this condition?
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda equina syndrome is a condition which is caused by a pre-existing health problem in the lumbar region of the spine, leading to the cauda equina nerves being squashed or compressed thereby reducing their function.
This can produce a wide range of symptoms in the pelvic region and legs related to a loss of sensation and inability to control motor function. Examples of this might be loss of sexual function and weakness in the legs.
Cauda equina syndrome is a condition which is caused by a pre-existing health problem in the lumbar region of the spine, leading to the cauda equina nerves being squashed or compressed thereby reducing their function.
The cauda equina nerves are crucial conduits of sensation and initiation of movement between the brain and the lower body. Consequently, compression of these nerves can cause significant loss of function.
This, in turn, can lead to a wide range of symptoms in the pelvic region and legs related to a loss of sensation and inability to control motor function. Examples of this might be loss of sexual function, double incontinence and weakness in the legs.
Pre-existing risk factors
Risk factors for the syndrome, therefore, largely relate to the conditions which might lead to compression of the cauda equina nerves and, consequently, cauda equina syndrome.
A wide range of pre-existing conditions may lead to the development of cauda equina syndrome including the following:
- Spinal stenosis, causing a narrowing of the spinal canal which houses the cauda equina nerves
- A herniated disc which might lead to pressure on and distortion of the spinal canal, causing compression of the cauda equina nerves
- Inflammation of the spine due, for example, to ankylosing spondylitis
- An infection of the spine causing inflammation and compression
- A tumour in the region of the spine which affects the spinal canal and cauda equina nerves
- Exceptionally, a trauma to the spine may cause compression of the cauda equina nerves
General Risk Factors
General health or life risk factors which might make someone susceptible to the development of cauda equina syndrome are unclear but being older than 30, being overweight or undertaking regular work that might put considerable strain on the back may contribute.
Treatment Risk Factors
Once someone has started to develop cauda equina syndrome, possibly the greatest risk is a delay in treatment.
Negligent or substandard medical care can occur at any point in the patient’s path to diagnosis and treatment including action, or a failure of action, by a GP, NHS 111, the Out-of-hours service, Accident and Emergency, the MRI practitioners or a consultant.
It is widely accepted that, if someone is experiencing incomplete cauda equina syndrome, they require emergency surgical decompression of their cauda equina nerves in order to halt the deterioration of the nerves and to try to recover lost function.
Emergency surgery in these circumstances means that the patient is operated on within hours rather than days.
If the patient is not diagnosed promptly and referred for an MRI scan, it is possible that their neurological function could deteriorate before they reach surgery and their long-term outcome is likely to be worse.
However, surgical treatment will only take place once a diagnosis has been confirmed, and the majority of compensation claims relate to this process where substandard medical care can occur in a variety of ways:
- A failure to recognise the possible early symptoms of cauda equina compression such as bilateral leg symptoms and altered sensation in the perineal area or altered bladder function
- A failure to examine a patient for signs and symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
- A failure to make a timely referral for an MRI scan
- A failure to provide red flag warnings when this would normally have been regarded as appropriate
- A failure to arrange an MRI scan or failure to transfer a patient to facilities where this can be done
- A failure to arrange surgical decompression within an appropriate timeframe
Medical Negligence and compensation for its impact
If an MRI scan for cauda equina syndrome is delayed due to medical mismanagement leading to a delay in surgery and a poor long-term outcome, the victim may be able to make a claim for compensation for their pain and suffering.
A successful compensation claim for cauda equina syndrome will need to take account of the wide range of ways in which the patient has been affected including the practical difficulties of managing double incontinence, accommodation problems, employment issues, psychological effects and difficulties with personal independence.
If the patient has suffered significant financial losses, such as a reduced income or the need for accommodation alterations, due to their negligent treatment, these losses would be included in their claim for compensation.
Specialist advice
If you are seeking the advice of a legal specialist, contact Glynns Solicitors, a medical negligence legal practice, specialising in high-value cauda equina syndrome compensation claims.
We offer a no-obligation, free of charge, consultation to discuss the suitability of making a claim for cauda equina syndrome negligence.