MRI failings are a consistent feature of cauda equina syndrome compensation claims.
An urgent MRI scan
The vast majority of our cauda equina syndrome clients have been left with permanent disability and dysfunction because the diagnosis of their condition was delayed due to a failure to make an emergency referral for an MRI scan.
This unfortunate situation can result from a range of circumstances:
- The patient’s symptoms are not recognised as being suggestive of cauda equina syndrome
- The urgency of the situation is not understood
- The significance of key ‘red flag’ symptoms is not understood
Urgent diagnosis is absolutely crucial in the treatment of cauda equina syndrome. A prompt referral for an MRI scan, followed by emergency surgery where necessary can facilitate a complete recovery by the patient.
A failure to refer for an MRI scan in a timely manner can, on the other hand, leave the patient with bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction.
Cauda equina syndrome treatment
A patient exhibiting possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome requires an MRI scan to confirm the cause of their symptoms, If necessary, they may require decompression surgery to remove pressure from the cauda equina nerves within hours. This is vital to stop the condition from deteriorating.
Cauda equina syndrome diagnosis
Symptoms suggestive of possible cauda equina syndrome – and which might warrant an emergency MRI scan referral – would include the following:
- Lower back pain
- Pain and tingling or numbness in one or both legs
- Signs of loss of sensation in the saddle area between the legs
- Changed experience of urination such as having to strain to urinate or empty the bladder
The above symptoms suggest that the patient is experiencing loss of function due to damage to nerves in the back and the inability of the central nervous system to send and receive messages around the body.
Therefore, a confirmation that this is indeed the case is necessary before treatment can begin.
Medical Negligence
If these key symptoms are not recognised for what they might represent – i.e. cauda equina syndrome – and action is delayed, the patient is likely to find that their symptoms get worse and they start to become incontinent.
Once this occurs, it is less likely that surgery will bring about much improvement and the patient may suffer severely debilitating symptoms for the rest of their life.
If you or a loved one have been left with the long-term symptoms of cauda equina syndrome because your symptoms were misdiagnosed, contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor. You may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.