An untreated prolapsed disc can cause life-changing symptoms and needs to be diagnosed urgently to avoid a lifetime of disability. Cauda equina syndrome Cauda equina syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine. These nerves are crucial to the effective functioning of the nervous system … Read more
A patient attending their GP with lower back and leg pain may well be referred to a physiotherapist for help. It is vital that the physiotherapist acts promptly on any signs of cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome red flags Physiotherapists need to be aware of the early possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and … Read more
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 … Read more
Complete cauda equina syndrome can leave the patient with permanent bowel dysfunction. The impact of bowel dysfunction Understandably, the impact of bowel dysfunction on a person’s life can be significant. It is not only a matter of coping with the physical effects, but coming to terms with the various ways in which those symptoms may … Read more
Bladder and associated urinary symptoms are red flag indicators that a patient may be developing cauda equina syndrome. They should indicate the degree of urgency for an MRI scan as well as the urgency of surgery once a diagnosis has been confirmed. Bladder retention For the patient developing cauda equina syndrome, it is not a … Read more
The early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can be mistaken for sciatica but a failure to test for additional signs can leave the patient with a lifetime of disability. Early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome In the early stages of cauda equina syndrome, the patient might attend the GP with pain in the lower back … Read more
Compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine can cause a loss of function in the lower half of the body. The cauda equina nerves are responsible for both awareness of sensation and control of movement in the lower body and, if the nerves are not compressed promptly, function can be … Read more
In essence, surgery is a matter of emergency in cauda equina surgery because, if surgery is delayed, the patient can be left with a lifetime of double incontinence, sexual dysfunction and severe mobility problems. Surgery and cauda equina syndrome If a patient is diagnosed with incomplete cauda equina syndrome, it is generally regarded as vital … Read more
The response of A&E to a patient arriving with the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can determine whether that patient has a positive or shockingly-bad long-term outcome. Red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome Someone attending A&E is likely to be suffering with fairly significant symptoms. It may be that they have been warned … Read more
A delay in surgery can be catastrophic in treating cauda equina syndrome. If your medical professionals have failed in their duty to provide a good standard of care, you may wish to consider making a claim for compensation. Timing of surgery Incomplete cauda equina syndrome requires emergency surgery. The specifics of timing remain under debate … Read more
The difference between incomplete and complete cauda equina syndrome can represent the difference between recovery and a lifetime of disability. Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome The symptoms of complete cauda equina syndrome are extremely unpleasant, including the following: Bowel incontinence Bladder incontinence Sexual dysfunction Mobility problems For a patient who is developing this appalling condition, … Read more
Suffering with cauda equina syndrome can require fundamental changes in lifestyle due to the appalling effects of this dreadful condition. If the long-term nature of the condition is due to medical failings, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation. Physical effects of cauda equina syndrome Complete cauda equina syndrome can cause permanent, … Read more
A herniated or slipped disc is the most common cause of cauda equina syndrome. The product of compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine, this appalling condition can result in devastating loss of lower body function. What is a herniated disc? The discs of the spine are located between the … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome is associated with a wide range of debilitating and unpleasant physical symptoms. Loss of mobility can have a significant impact on someone’s ability to live independently. Cauda equina syndrome and mobility Cauda equina syndrome is a condition affecting the neurological functioning of the lower body. If the cauda equina nerves at the … Read more
If your GP did not refer you for an emergency MRI scan even though you had symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, you might wish to consider making a claim for compensation. Cauda equina syndrome Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency. If you are exhibiting symptoms of incomplete cauda equina syndrome, it is imperative that … Read more
A failure to give a patient red flag warnings in cauda equina syndrome may lead to a significant compensation claim. Red flag symptoms Red flag symptoms are those symptoms which should prompt a patient or their medical practitioner to take immediate action. In the case of cauda equina syndrome, they should alert the patient to … Read more
If you are unfortunate enough to be suffering the effects of complete cauda equina syndrome, you may be wondering why this has occurred and if anything could have been done to prevent it. Compression of the cauda equina nerves At a basic level, cauda equina syndrome is caused by the compression of the cauda equina … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency requiring accurate and timely management from the appearance of early symptoms through to the completion of surgery where appropriate. Cauda equina syndrome responses A patient who is developing cauda equina syndrome requires early recognition of and urgent response to their symptoms if they are to recover any function … Read more
A patient who is aware that their experience of urinating is changing may indeed require emergency attention at hospital. Urinary symptoms and cauda equina syndrome Alteration of urinary experience can be a red flag symptom of cauda equina syndrome and, if associated with other symptoms, may mean that the patient requires an emergency MRI scan … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome is a deeply unpleasant condition which can cause permanent disability if not diagnosed promptly and treated before nerve function deteriorates too far. What causes cauda equina syndrome? Cauda equina syndrome is caused by the compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the back. There can be a number … Read more