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 the need to attend A & E as a matter of emergency.
If a patient attends their GP or their A & E unit or speaks with an NHS telephone service with possible early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, it is imperative that they are told what are the red flag symptoms to look out for and that they should attend A&E immediately should those symptoms start to develop.
Cauda equina syndrome red flag symptoms
The red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome are as follows:
- If pain, tingling and weakness in one leg develops in the other leg
- If the patient starts to experience a change in their awareness of needing to urinate or their experience of urinating such as having to strain
- If the patient starts to experience tingling or loss of sensation in the saddle region and around the anus
- If the patient starts to lose control over their ankle reflexes
- If the patient starts to experience faecal leakage or problems emptying their bowel
- If the patient starts to experience loss of sexual sensation
A patient who is already suffering lower back pain and sciatica type pain in one of their legs needs to be aware that any of the above symptoms might indicate that they are developing cauda equina syndrome.
A failure to warn a patient of these red flag symptoms could prove catastrophic.
Cauda equina syndrome delays
A delay in acting on the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome may mean that the patient is left with long-term disability.
A patient who is developing this appalling condition requires an immediate MRI scan to confirm their diagnosis.
It is likely that they will then need urgent decompression surgery to prevent the further deterioration of their nerve function.
Medical negligence
If a medical practitioner or NHS Trust is found to have allowed the patient’s condition to worsen due to their delay in either diagnosing, referring or undertaking surgery, they may be considered to have provided a substandard level of care.
In this situation, the patient may be able to make a claim for compensation which should help to support their future care needs.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering with the effects of cauda equina syndrome due to delays in your care, contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.