Warning Signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare condition. Nevertheless, a competent medical professional will be aware of the condition, and moreover will be able recognise the warning signs of nerve compression. If there is a failure to do so, the quality of care will have dropped to a substandard level.

Red flag symptoms – the warning signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome occurs when the nerves located at the end of the spine are compressed. When this happens, the nerves will begin to suffer damage and lose function. This will lead to a set of symptoms which together should provide a very clear indication of Cauda Equina Syndrome. These symptoms can be explained as follows:-

• Early signs: when the nerves are initially compressed, the affected individual will experienced chronic lower back, which may or may not spread to the buttocks and legs. There may also be a change in urinary function (commonly the need to strain while voiding) and a loss of sensation in the perineum.
• Red flag symptoms: as the nerves continue to be compressed, the severity of symptoms will become notably worse. Lower back pain will still be present, while perineal anaesthesia will be evident. There will also be poor rectal tone (possibly with associated faecal incontinence), sexual dysfunction and obvious urinary problems.
• Complete Cauda Equina Syndrome: eventually the nerves will become so damaged they will suffer permanent injury. The condition is then said to be complete. This is characterised by a total loss of function, painless urinary retention and urinary incontinence.

What if doctors fail to notice the warning signs?

Medical professionals should not, however, allow the condition to become complete. When a patient first presents, doctors should have sufficient medical expertise to suspect nerve compression. It is possible that a misdiagnosis will be made in the early stages, as Cauda Equina Syndrome can be easily mistaken for other, more minor problems such as a urinary tract infection. But alarm bells should start ringing when a patient develops the red flag symptoms, so called because they act as an obvious indicator that Cauda Equina Syndrome is present.

If medical practitioners fail to spot the warning signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome, there could be grounds for a medical negligence claim. This is because in failing to make a timely diagnosis, doctors will have breached their duty of care towards a patient. If this delay causes the patient to suffer injury (which is very likely in cases of Cauda Equina Syndrome) the standard of care will be considered unacceptable. The patient in question will therefore be the innocent victim of medical negligence and will be entitled to claim compensation for the damage this has done.

To find out more about making a claim for Cauda Equina Syndrome, please contact us today at the Cauda Equina Solicitors.