The vast majority of our cauda equina syndrome clients make claims for compensation due to a delay in diagnosing their cauda equina syndrome. What is cauda equina syndrome and why is a late diagnosis such a problem?
What’s the problem?
In short, a delayed diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome matters because a delay in treatment can mean the difference between a good recovery and a lifetime of physical disability and psychological distress.
Cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a collection of physical problems caused by dysfunction of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine.
The type of problems which complete cauda equina syndrome can cause include the following:
- Bowel incontinence or urgency
- Bladder incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weakness of the legs
The extent of these problems depends on the degree of compression of the cauda equina nerves. The patient may only start to experience symptoms such as back pain, tingling in the legs and alteration of urinary flow. Their symptoms may develop very gradually.
Alternatively, a patient may develop severe symptoms very quickly.
Urgent diagnosis
It would seem that, as the compression of the nerves increases, the symptoms experienced by the patient worsen and, once the condition has deteriorated to the point of loss of bladder sensation, recovery of function is less likely.
Therefore, a prompt diagnosis, facilitating emergency surgery, is crucial in trying to ensure that the patient achieves a good recovery.
Where a patient attends their medical practitioner with the early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome but there is failure to recognise and act on those symptoms, the impact on the patient can be catastrophic.
If their symptoms deteriorate before surgery due to the late diagnosis, their outcome may be significantly worse and the relevant medical practitioner may be considered to have acted negligently.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering with the shocking symptoms of complete cauda equina syndrome due to a late diagnosis and delayed treatment, contact us today to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Compensation can help you to deal with all those issues which may be making life especially difficult such as accommodation problems, difficulties with care and ability to travel. It can also compensate you for loss of earnings if your symptoms are such as to make work impossible.