If a patient presents to their GP or A&E department with the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, an urgent referral should be made to a specialist doctor. This will ensure the condition is diagnosed and treated quickly – something which is vital if complications are to be avoided.
Cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare condition that requires urgent medical attention. This is because it sees the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord become compressed, which will cause permanent injury if not relieved quickly enough.
Cauda equina syndrome is associated with a number of different symptoms, many of which are similar to other more minor conditions. Initially a patient will develop lower back pain which may also extend to one or both legs.
As the nerves continue to suffer injury, these symptoms will progress to perineal numbness, disturbance of bladder function and sphincter dysfunction. These problems can be mistaken for other conditions such as a urinary tract infection or generalised lower back pain.
When to refer a patient for cauda equina syndrome
However, that is not to say a wrongful diagnosis is excused. Any reasonably competent medical professional should be aware of cauda equina syndrome and should know the symptoms involved.
If a patient is displaying the classic signs, steps should be taken to exclude the possibility of spinal nerve compression. This can only be achieved with specialist imaging, most commonly an MRI scan. Therefore if a patient has perineal numbness of any other symptom of cauda equina syndrome, a specialist referral must be made. This should happen even if the suspicion is moderate.
If a patient is at his or her GP, this referral must be urgent. A letter should be given to the patient to hand to the hospital unit, and a GP should also make a telephone call to forewarn the hospital of the patient’s imminent arrival. If a patient is already in hospital, an MRI scan should be arranged without delay, and advice should be sought from a specialist orthopaedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon.
Delayed referral of cauda equina syndrome
But unfortunately not all medical practitioners recognise the significance of a patient’s symptoms. This causes a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome, which can result in devastating disability, including paralysis and incontinence.
If a patient suffers such injuries because a timely referral was not made, there will be grounds for medical negligence litigation. To find out more about claiming compensation for cauda equina syndrome, do not hesitate to speak to a solicitor today.