If you developed cauda equina syndrome and your red flag symptoms were missed by medical practitioners, you could be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. For more information, please get in touch with us today.
Red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves at the bottom of the spine are compressed and damaged. This will cause a number of symptoms which together provide a strong indication that the sacral nerve roots are being compressed.
The red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome are:
- Pain and numbness in the legs
- Numbness around the back passage, perineum and external genitalia
- Urinary dysfunction, with poor flow, reduced sensation and retention of urine
When a patient presents with these symptoms, medical practitioners should act immediately to verify whether or not the nerves are being compressed.
First a neurological examination should take place to test reflexes, sensation and anal tone. The patient should then be sent for an emergency MRI scan. The images produced by the scan will confirm whether decompression surgery is needed.
Missed red flag symptoms
Unfortunately doctors do not always appreciated a patient’s red flag symptoms and the condition goes undiagnosed for several more days, weeks or sometimes even months.
This standard of medical care is not acceptable. If a patient sees a doctor and the red flag symptoms are present, an MRI scan should be arranged as a matter of urgency. If no action is taken, there will be a breach of duty. This means that the clinician has not provided a reasonable standard of care.
Consequences of missed red flag symptoms
Missing the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome is very dangerous. Although the syndrome is not fatal, it will result in severe disabilities if not treated quickly.
Therefore when a patient with red flag symptoms is sent home without treatment, the consequences can be life-changing. The nerves will continue to suffer damage, and within a very short space of time will become irreparably damaged. The patient’s symptoms will then be permanent.
Even if an accurate diagnosis is delayed for one day, the outcome can be poor. Cauda equina syndrome needs surgical treatment within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, so it is vital that doctors act upon the red flag symptoms immediately.
My CES red flag symptoms were missed
If your red flag symptoms were missed, causing you to suffer a poor outcome, you could be eligible to pursue a medical compensation claim. Please get in touch with our cauda equina lawyers to find out more.