Wheelchair-bound Due to Cauda Equina Syndrome

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.

When this occurs, the patient is likely to suffer a variety of debilitating symptoms to varying degrees of severity. The cauda equina nerves act as messengers between the brain and lower body so any impairment of their function will affect the recognition of sensation in the lower body as well as a loss of the ability to pass instructions to the lower body.

Mobility symptoms

An individual suffering with cauda equina syndrome may experience a range of mobility problems:

• Pain in one or both legs
• Tingling and numbness in one or both legs
• Leg muscle weakness
• Foot drop where the loss of ankle reflexes means that the foot drags affecting the ability to walk
• Paralysis and complete loss of mobility

Impact of mobility symptoms

The cauda equina syndrome neurological symptoms in the legs can affect the patient in a variety of ways depending on the extent of the loss of function:

• The individual may find walking difficult and require the support of a walking stick or zimmer frame
• The individual may be able to drive but require an adapted vehicle
• The individual may have lost strength in and control of the legs to the extent that they are wheelchair-bound
• Some cauda equina syndrome sufferers are no longer able to function effectively or independently in their existing home and either require significant adaptations to be made or need to move to suitably-adapted accommodation

Treatment of cauda equina syndrome

In order to minimise or avoid entirely the mobility impact of cauda equina syndrome, it is vital that the condition is recognised in its early stages. If cauda equina syndrome is suspected, the patient requires an MRI scan as a matter of emergency in order to confirm the diagnosis. If a delay occurs at this point, the condition can deteriorate dramatically leaving the patient unlikely to make a good recovery.

Medical Negligence

If a patient attends their GP or A&E practitioner with red flags symptoms such as bilateral leg pain and urinary difficulties which are not recognised and treatment is therefore delayed, they may be entitled to make a claim for compensation if they have been left with significant, long-term symptoms.

If this has been your experience, contact us to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300, from a mobile click to call 01275 334030 or complete our Free Online Enquiry for a no cost, no obligation opinion.

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