When a patient attends their GP or A&E unit with possible early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, the assessment they receive is crucial in determining what happens to them next.
The importance of a comprehensive clinical assessment
If the initial clinical assessment of a patient is insufficient to gather a comprehensive picture of their condition, it may mean that they do not receive the necessary further investigation vital to confirm a diagnosis.
Where cauda equina syndrome is concerned, a diagnosis delay will inevitably also delay the patient’s access to vital decompression surgery if this proves to be necessary. The outcome of such a scenario can be devastating to the health, well-being and life of the patient.
Clinical assessment for cauda equina syndrome
Depending on the symptoms being experienced by the patient, it may well be appropriate for the medical practitioner to carry out a range of tests to assess whether the patient is suffering from any neurological symptoms in addition to their pain.
Such symptoms would suggest that the underlying cause of the patient’s problems may be related to compression of a nerve. This can cause various sensory and motor functions to fail and, if left untreated, can leave the patient with significant disability.
Neurological symptoms which are significant in an assessment of cauda equina syndrome include the following:
- Tingling, weakness or loss of sensation in one or both legs
- Reduction in ankle reflexes
- Sensory changes in the saddle area such of loss of feeling in the perineum or around the anus
- Reduction in awareness of needing to urinate
- Changes in the experience of urinating such as poor flow or having to strain
- Changes in bowel experience
Failure to assess a patient
If a patient with possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome does not receive an appropriate clinical assessment, their medical practitioner may be considered to have acted negligently.
If the patient deteriorates during the period of delay, leaving them with a poor long-term outcome due to the subsequent delay in surgery, it may be appropriate to pursue a claim for compensation.
Failure to advise a patient
If a medical practitioner fails to advise a patient with possible cauda equina syndrome of the red flag symptoms described above and their associated medical urgency, they may also be considered to have provided a substandard level of care.
Speak to a solicitor
The long-term impact of complete cauda equina syndrome can be distressing and debilitating.
If you or a loved one are suffering from such a situation which could perhaps have been avoided with a more prompt and thorough medical response, contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.