Cauda Equina Compression Compensation Claims
Compression of the cauda equina nerves requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. If medical professionals delay in their management of this disabling condition, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina compression
If a herniated disc, a tumour or other condition presses on the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine, it can cause shocking and permanent nerve dysfunction and disability. Any indication that a patient may be developing this syndrome needs meticulous and timely care by medical professionals in order to prevent a lifetime of debilitating symptoms.
The cauda equina nerves provide a person with lower body sensation and movement. Damage to these crucial nerves can leave an individual with the following symptoms:
- Loss of bladder sensation and function
- Loss of bowel sensation and function
- Loss of sexual sensation and function
- Loss of mobility
Medical care of cauda equina syndrome
Effective medical management of this appalling condition requires early recognition of possible symptoms, a prompt referral for an MRI scan to confirm nerve compression, followed by timely surgery to decompress the nerves. A delay in undertaking an MRI scan or a delay in initiating surgery may allow the condition to deteriorate and put the patient at risk of permanent damage.
Surgery is often regarded as an emergency. As the compression of the nerves increases, more lower body function is lost. The sooner surgery is carried out, the better the outcome is likely to be for the patient. If the patient loses complete bladder sensation before surgery, it would seem that they are more likely to suffer permanent and complete cauda equina syndrome with the above symptoms.
Negligent medical care
Poor-quality medical management of this terrible condition can, therefore, be utterly life-changing. A once healthy individual can find that they are no longer mobile, are experiencing double incontinence and cannot work. They may not be able to function in their own home and may require altered accommodation as well as personal care.
A failure to consider that a patient's symptoms may indicate cauda equina compression may be regarded as negligent. A failure to assess a patient for additional signs, a misdiagnosis or a failure to advise a patient of the red flag symptoms may likewise be regarded as substandard care and may justify a claim for compensation.
Speak to a specialist
If you or a family member are struggling with the shocking effect of cauda equina syndrome due to poor medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to speak with one of our experienced lawyers.
A dedicated medical negligence legal practice, with extensive expertise in cauda equina claims, we are ideally placed to help you pursue a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
