If cauda equina syndrome is not treated quickly, the condition will progress to the complete stage, after which the prognosis for recovery is poor.
This is because the nerve roots will have become so damaged that they cannot be repaired. A patient will therefore be left with permanent neurological complications, including:
- Chronic pain – permanently damaged nerve roots will be very painful, leading to symptoms similar to sciatica. This includes pain in the lower back and leg. This may render someone partially or totally paralysed.
- Numbness in the saddle, genital, buttock and thigh area – the cauda equina nerves enable sensation in the perineum, genitals and buttocks. If these nerves are injured, sensation may be reduced or lost altogether.
- Bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction – the cauda equina nerves also serve the bladder, bowel and genitals. If the nerves are compressed and harmed, these organs will not be able to function properly. Bladder control will be affected, often making the use of a catheter necessary. Bowel control will be reduced, particularly with regard to anal sphincter control. Episodes of faecal incontinence may follow. It will also be difficult to achieve an erection or feel anything during sexual intercourse.
Have you been affected by cauda equina syndrome?
If you have been left with long-term complications because of cauda equina syndrome, you need to consider why this happened. Some people simply do not seek medical attention in time, presenting to their GP or hospital only when the condition is already complete.
Other times, however, medical professionals fail to diagnose the problem, despite the fact a patient is seeking help for symptoms characteristic of spinal nerve compression. This often occurs because doctors do not suspect a cauda equina lesion and make a misdiagnosis without carrying out further investigative tests. The condition will then only be correctly diagnosed once a patient is experiencing urinary retention.
However, this will prove extremely damaging, as a delay in diagnosis and treatment will lead to residual complications such as those described above. If this is something that has happened to you, you will be in a position to make a claim against the GP or NHS Trust responsible.
Expert legal advice
To find out more, contact us at the Cauda Equina Solicitors and speak to one of our legal experts. We will be able to advise whether earlier surgery would have improved the outcome. If so, we will help you make a claim for the pain and suffering you have needlessly endured.