Why do I Have Cauda Equina Syndrome?

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 nerves at the base of the spine. This can cause the nerves to fail in their function of controlling messages of sensation and movement between the lower body and the brain, resulting in the patient’s loss of bowel, urinary and sexual function.

The compression of the cauda equina nerves could have been caused by one of a variety of circumstances. The most common cause is the presence of a herniated or prolapsed disc in the spine which is pressing on the nerves. However, the compression can also be caused by inflammation of the spine, an infection in the spine, spinal stenosis and a tumour which affects the spine in that area. It is also possible that you have suffered an accident which has caused trauma to the spine (such as a car accident) which has, in turn, caused the compression of the nerves.

Medical negligence

It is also possible, however, that you are suffering with the debilitating symptoms of complete cauda equina syndrome because your early symptoms were not recognised promptly enough and you did not receive the necessary treatment before your condition deteriorated.

This could be cause for a claim for compensation.

Managing cauda equina syndrome

It is imperative that cauda equina syndrome is diagnosed at an early stage. This is the moment when decompression surgery is most likely to bring about a recovery of lost function.

A delay in diagnosis, leading to a delay in undergoing an MRI scan and surgery could be considered to constitute medical negligence.

If a patient presents with early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, they should either be warned of red flag symptoms and told to attend A&E immediately if such symptoms develop, or they should be referred for an emergency MRI scan. Where no such action is taken and the patient’s symptoms deteriorate before surgery is undertaken, they may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

Delayed surgery is less likely to bring about recovery of function and the patient may be left with considerable dysfunction of the lower body.

Speak to a specialist solicitor

If this has been your experience, contact us to speak with a medical negligence solicitor with expertise in cauda equina syndrome compensation claims.

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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