GP Misdiagnosis and Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a fairly rare condition and occasionally a GP may fail to recognise the symptoms or the urgency of the situation. The patient may be entitled to compensation.
Diagnosing cauda equina compression
If the early possible symptoms of cauda equina compression are misdiagnosed by a GP, the patient may suffer shocking and permanent disability. This is not inevitably the case. If the patient is fortunate, their condition may not deteriorate during the period between misdiagnosis and a correct diagnosis and surgery. If they are not so lucky, however, their nerve compression may worsen before an accurate diagnosis is made and they may suffer severe function losses which would not have been the case with the decompression surgery which would have been triggered by an earlier diagnosis.
If a patient visits their GP with symptoms such as lower back and leg pain, especially where both legs are affected, and possible urinary problems or altered perineal sensation, it is important that their medical professional considers the possibility that they are suffering from compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine.
Failings in primary care
Depending on the clinical assessment, it is crucial that the patient receives the correct medical response, whether this is an emergency referral for an MRI scan or advice as to red flag symptoms.
A GP may be regarded as having been negligent if the following failures occur:
- A failure to carry out an examination, meaning that symptoms indicative of possible cauda equina compression are missed
- A misdiagnosis of the patient's symptoms, leading to a delay in diagnosis
- A failure to make an appropriate referral for an MRI scan
- A failure to provide red flag advice
Claiming compensation
If a patient suffers a poor long-term outcome because one of the medical professionals involved in their care failed to take the appropriate action, they may be able to make a claim for compensation.
A successful claim for medical negligence would take account of the consequences which the patient has experienced, such as a loss of income, in so far as they have been caused by the negligent care.
If you or a loved one are struggling with this terrible condition due to poor healthcare, speak to a legal specialist.
Glynns Solicitors
Glynns is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of high-value cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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