Compensation for Post-Operative Cauda Equina Syndrome
Having developed acute, severe lower back pain, Sarah went to talk to her GP. She was referred for an MRI scan which showed disc degeneration in the spine and, after some delay, a nerve root injection was administered to the lower back in the expectation that this might relieve her pain.
Unfortunately, this proved not to be the case and Sarah continued to experience significant pain running from her left buttock down her left leg.
Consequently, decompression of the L5 nerve roots was planned and carried out a few months later. However, the potential risk of surgery causing paralysis of bladder and bowel or mobility problems had not been explained to Sarah.
Shortly after coming round from surgery, Sarah noticed that the soles of her feet were numb as well as the backs of her legs and her buttocks, symptoms which had not been present prior to surgery. She found that she was now unable to pass urine and was catheterised but was advised that her symptoms were due to the anaesthetic and should wear off.
Over the coming days, Sarah's symptoms did not resolve. She continued to experience reduced sensation in the saddle area as well as problems passing urine. She also found it difficult to mobilise effectively. A week after the first surgery, continuing concerns about Sarah's impaired bladder function prompted another MRI scan, this time showing compression of the cauda equina nerves which are located at the base of the spine. As a result, Sarah then underwent further surgery later that day to decompress the cauda equina nerves.
Unfortunately, Sarah's physical symptoms have not resolved and she continues to suffer with reduced mobility and areas of lower body numbness as well as difficulties with both bowel and bladder function.
Formerly an active woman, Sarah now experiences difficulty walking, relying on a stick, which restricts her ability to provide support to her family and generally impairs her quality of life. This is exacerbated by her worries about her bowel and bladder function and the need for urgent access to a toilet if she is away from home.
Having sought advice from Glynns, who investigated her claim, Sarah was awarded in excess of £200,000.00 in compensation for the adverse consequences of her spinal surgery.
(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)
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