Although Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare condition, it is one that commonly leads to medical negligence claims against the NHS. In this article we explore this topic in more detail, explaining when it might be possible to make a Cauda Equina negligence claim against the NHS.
NHS Claims and Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda Equina Syndrome is occurs when the nerves located at the bottom of the spine become compressed. This causes certain neurological symptoms such as urinary disturbances, genital and saddle anaesthesia and lower back pain. It is absolutely vital doctors recognise nerve compression in a patient presenting these symptoms, as treatment must be given in the early stages. If left for too long, the pressure upon the nerves will cause such an extensive injury that it cannot be repaired. This will leave a patient to suffer permanent, life-altering health complications.
To ensure Cauda Equina Syndrome does not lead to permanent injury, medical professionals must:-
- Recognise the characteristic symptoms of nerve compression as soon as a patient presents to hospital;
- Carry out a physical examination to test sensory changes, motor weakness and anal tone;
- Perform an MRI scan if the clinical findings point towards Cauda Equina Syndrome;
- Carry out emergency decompression surgery soon after a positive diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome is made.
As long as medical professionals take the aforementioned course of action, a patient stands a good chance of making a full recovery.
However, if diagnosis and treatment are delayed for 48 hours or more, it is likely that a patient will not regain normal function. There are occasions in which this will be no one’s fault in particular. Nevertheless, it is possible that a substandard level of medical care directly caused a patient to sustain long-lasting neurological damage. This will include, for example, if:-
- A hospital doctor fails to recognise the characteristic symptoms of spinal compression;
- A hospital doctor fails to perform a physical examination of a patient presenting the symptoms commonly associated with Cauda Equina Syndrome;
- A hospital doctor fails to arrange further diagnostic tests such as an MRI scan;
- A hospital fails to perform urgent decompression surgery of a patient with Cauda Equina Syndrome.
Anyone injured because of a substandard level of medical care (ie. for the reasons stated above) will be entitled to compensation for the damages sustained.
Do You Have A Cauda Equina Claim?
If you believe you have a Cauda Equina claim against the NHS, contact us today at the Cauda Equina Solicitors. We will advise what action you should take next.