Cauda Equina Syndrome – What You Should Tell Your GP

If you are attending your GP with the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, it is imperative that you make them aware of any related symptoms you may be experiencing.

Possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome results from the compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lower, lumbar region of the spine and can affect a wide range of areas of the body restricting the patient’s ability to feel sensations and control muscles in those areas.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you need to tell your GP.

Symptoms of the legs

• Pain down one or both legs
• Pins and needles/tingling down one or both legs
• Numbness down one or both legs
• Difficulty flexing the ankle(s)

It is particularly concerning if you are experiencing any of these symptoms in both legs.

Urinary Symptoms

• A change to your normal flow
• Having to strain to urinate
• Difficulty emptying your bladder
• Leakage of urine
• Lack of awareness of the need to urinate

Perineal/Perianal Symptoms

• Loss of sensation between the legs
• Reduced sensation/numbness around the anus (for example, you may not be able to feel when you wipe yourself after going to the toilet)

Sexual Symptoms

• You may have lost sensation during intercourse
• If you are male, you may be having difficulty achieving an erection or ejaculating

Bowel Symptoms

• Altered bowel function or sensation

It may be that you are experiencing lower back pain or you may be aware of an on-going back problem, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

GP Referral

If your GP is not made aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing that might be associated with cauda equina syndrome, it is possible that you could receive an inaccurate diagnosis such as sciatica or not be referred for an MRI scan which, in the case of cauda equina syndrome, is absolutely vital to a positive outcome.

An MRI scan should tell the specialist if your symptoms are being caused by compressed cauda equina nerves. If so, you are likely to require emergency surgery to decompress the nerves, preferably within 48 hours.

This should give you the greatest chance of a positive long-term outcome, depending on how far advanced your symptoms were at the point of surgery.

Medical Negligence

If your diagnosis was delayed due to a failure to recognise your symptoms as indicative of cauda equina syndrome, leading to a poor outcome from surgery, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

Contact Glynns Solicitors. We are a team of specialist medical negligence solicitors currently supporting numerous claims for cauda equina syndrome negligence.

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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