If you were seen by your GP or A&E practitioner with the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome but were sent home without appropriate examination, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome If a patient attends their medical practitioner with the following symptoms, it is possible that … Read more
The timing of surgery for cauda equina syndrome has been an issue of debate regarding the urgency of surgery in relation to the quality of the outcome and the nature of the patient’s symptoms. The focus of debate The questions of interest regarding surgery for cauda equina syndrome are: Is surgery an emergency both for … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome is a fairly rare condition but its effects can be both devastating and lifelong. It is vital, therefore, that all medical professionals have a clear awareness of this medical emergency. What is Cauda Equina Syndrome? Cauda equina syndrome is a neurological condition where damage to the cauda equina nerves at the base … Read more
Surgery for cauda equina syndrome can be a medical emergency. A patient with the early symptoms of the condition must know when to act. The long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome For a patient who is left with permanent cauda equina syndrome, the long-term effects can be distressing. If surgery is undertaken too late, the … Read more
There seems to be widespread agreement that surgery where a patient is exhibiting symptoms of incomplete cauda equina syndrome should be a matter of emergency. Once the patient’s symptoms have deteriorated, however, the best timing of surgery remains unclear. Decompression surgery for incomplete cauda equina syndrome For the patient who is developing cauda equina syndrome … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the nerves at the base of the spine. A number of medical problems can contribute to such a development, one of which is ankylosing spondylitis. What is ankylosing spondylitis? Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition which predominantly affects the spine, where inflammation of the joints can … Read more
A patient who is developing cauda equina syndrome should be considered a medical emergency and delays in referring or investigating their symptoms may be cause for a claim for compensation. The significance of a delay in diagnosis Timing is crucial in the diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. If a diagnosis is made in a timely … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome can cause a wide range of disabling lower body symptoms but bladder difficulties are possibly the most significant. The loss of sensation in and control of the bladder is key not only as an indication that the patient may be developing cauda equina syndrome but also as a warning that surgery may … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome is regarded as a medical emergency often requiring surgery within hours rather than days. But will surgery resolve your symptoms? The impact of surgery on the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome would appear to depend on the nature of your symptoms at the time your surgery is carried out. Cauda equina symptoms … Read more
A failure to recognise and treat cauda equina syndrome symptoms as a matter of emergency can cause catastrophic, long-term symptoms. What is cauda equina syndrome? Cauda equina syndrome is a condition which can develop when the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine become compressed and cease to function fully or at all. … Read more
If a patient developing cauda equina syndrome visits their GP, the medical professional needs to consider both signs and symptoms of this condition in order to decide on the right course of action. Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome A GP should initially be alerted to the possibility of cauda equina syndrome by the patient’s symptoms. … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome is most frequently a development of long-term back problems. Can it be caused by an infection in the spine? Causes of cauda equina syndrome Cauda equina syndrome is usually caused by a ruptured or herniated disc in the spine putting pressure on the cauda equina nerves and reducing their ability to function … Read more
MRI scans play a vital role in the diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome but several hurdles can delay this key procedure. A failure with regards to the MRI may lead to a catastrophic outcome for the patient and warrant a claim for compensation. Significance of an MRI in cauda equina syndrome If a patient is … Read more
Spotting the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can mean the difference between recovery and a lifetime of distressing disability. Diagnosing cauda equina syndrome Cauda equina syndrome is a devastating condition that can be treated with decompre ssion surgery if it is diagnosed before it has developed too far. In order for a timely … Read more
Cauda equina syndrome can be have a number of different underlying causes and can develop either suddenly or gradually over time. However, if treated in time, deterioration can be halted and recovery may even be possible. Causes of cauda equina syndrome If you are suffering with cauda equina syndrome, it is likely that you had … Read more
If you are losing sensation in your saddle area, it may be that you are suffering from loss of function of the cauda equina nerves. What is the ‘saddle’ area? The saddle area refers to the parts of the body that would touch a saddle when seated on a horse. This would include the buttocks … Read more
If a patient developing cauda equina syndrome does not undergo surgery at the key moment, they can be left with lifelong, disabling symptoms. If this is your experience, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. The cauda equina nerves The cauda equina nerve bundle is located at the base of the spinal … Read more
Understanding the development of cauda equina syndrome and acting with urgency at the appropriate moment is vital if the patient is to avoid a lifetime of disability. Cauda equina syndrome development In some patients, cauda equina syndrome can develop suddenly and acutely and it is possible that surgery may make little difference to the long-term … Read more
For a patient developing cauda equina syndrome, an MRI scan at the right moment can make the difference between a good outcome with possible recovery, and a lifetime of multiple dysfunction and disability. The role of the MRI scan If a patient attends their GP or A&E with the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, … Read more
Alterations to bowel control can be a serious effect of cauda equina syndrome as well as an indicator that the patient may well be developing the condition. Long-term effects of cauda equina syndrome Someone unfortunate enough to suffer with permanent cauda equina syndrome may find that they are experiencing severe symptoms associated with their bowel … Read more