Long-Term Complications Of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) must be treated as quickly as possible. If treatment is delayed for any reason, the prospect of permanent nerve damage becomes more and more likely. This means a patient will be unable to make a full recovery, and will be left to suffer long-term complications.

How Can CES Cause Permanent Damage?

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a condition in which the nerve roots at the bottom of the spinal cord become compressed. This will quickly damage the nerves, hindering their functionality and creating problems such as bowel and bladder disturbances, sexual dysfunction, numbness in the groin and sciatica.

The degree of injury will become increasingly worse the longer compression continues, causing symptoms to rapidly deteriorate. If Cauda Equina Syndrome remains untreated for too long, the damage to the nerves will be extensive – in fact, it will be so severe that repair is simply not possible, and any treatment will be ineffective.

Although every case if different, it is generally accepted that the nerves must be decompressed within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms; any longer than this and the nerves will be permanently injured. This will mean a patient is left with lasting, irreparable nerve damage.

What Are The Long-Terms Complications Of CES?

If treatment for CES is withheld, a patient will sustain permanent neurological damage. This will, in turn, lead to long-term health complications. The exact nature of these problems will differ in each individual, but will commonly involve one or more of the following:-

• Bladder and bowel dysfunction;
• Sexual dysfunction;
• Sciatic pain;
• Saddle and groin anaesthesia;
• Sensory abnormality in the lower body;
• Muscle weakness in the lower body;
• Paralysis.

These long-term complications are evidently of a serious nature, and cannot fail to turn a patient’s life upside down. The physical implications will force many to alter their day-to-day existence, as working, household chores and looking after children can become difficult. Many also report significant psychological and emotional injury, as their health issues lead to a loss of confidence, the breakdown of relationships and a fear of socialising.

Can You Claim Compensation For Your Long-Term Complications?

If you are suffering from the devastating effects of Cauda Equina Syndrome, you need to consider why you sustained permanent neurological injury. In the majority of cases, this will be because treatment to decompress the nerves was delayed.

It is true that some patients avoid seeking medical attention because they are embarrassed about the nature of their symptoms. However, some attend their GP or local hospital with the red flag symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome, and yet still treatment is withheld. This may be because medical professionals fail to make a timely and accurate diagnosis, fail to carry out the necessary tests, or fail to arrange emergency surgery.

If you have been affected by medical errors such as this, then you need to contact a medical negligence solicitor. This is because your long-lasting complications may well be the result of a substandard level of medical care. If so, you will be able to claim compensation for the pain and suffering you have been caused.

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