If a patient is suspected of having cauda equina syndrome, an emergency MRI scan is required.
MRI scan for cauda equina compression
When a patient presents with the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, medical practitioners should include cauda equina compression within their list of potential diagnoses. To check whether or not this suspected diagnosis is correct, an MRI scan must be arranged.
The timing of this MRI scan is vitally important. If a patient still has some control over their bladder, it means that the cauda equina syndrome (if present) is incomplete. Incomplete cauda equina syndrome can be successfully treated, so it essential not to delay. Due to these time pressures, a patient should be sent for an emergency MRI scan, which should be carried out within hours.
On the other hand, if a patient presents with complete cauda equina syndrome, the dye will already be cast. The nerves will have been irreparably injured and neurological function cannot be restored. An MRI scan does not, therefore, need to be carried out on an emergency basis. Instead, a patient should be sent for an urgent MRI scan which should be performed at the next available opportunity – normally the following day.
Delayed MRI scan
If an MRI scan is delayed and a patient progresses from the incomplete to complete stage, the level of care will be deemed unacceptable. This is because medical practitioners will have missed the opportunity to treat cauda equina syndrome while it is incomplete. This will significantly reduce a patient’s prospects of recovery.
An MRI scan may be delayed because of:-
- A failure to diagnose
- A failure to refer a patient for an MRI scan
- A lack of urgency
- A failure to communicate with the radiology department
- A lack of MRI scanners
- A reluctance of the part of the radiology department to carry out an emergency scan
Whatever the reason, if an MRI scan is delayed because of medical error and this causes the patient unnecessary injury, there will be grounds for a compensation claim.
Cauda equina claims
If your cauda equina treatment was delayed because of substandard medical care, you will be entitled to pursue a claim against those responsible. Although this will not give you your health back, it will provide some form of redress, and will ensure you are provided for financially.
To talk to a lawyer about cauda equina compensation, get in touch with us today.