Claiming Compensation for Delayed Cervical Myelopathy Diagnosis
A delay in diagnosing cervical myelopathy can leave the patient with mobility, urinary and dexterity problems or, at worst, dependent on a wheelchair. Where medical professionals have failed to diagnose this condition in a timely manner, a claim for compensation may be appropriate.
Why is early diagnosis important?
Cervical myelopathy is a degenerative condition. This means that it will worsen over time. Therefore, the earlier it can be treated, the greater the chance that the patient will either make a full recovery or, at least, suffer the minimum symptoms in the long-term.
What is cervical myelopathy?
The term 'cervical myelopathy' refers to damage and dysfunction of the spinal cord in the neck, due to compression. Compression can cause the nerves located in that part of the spine to lose their function. This loss of function can increase as the degree of compression also increases.
Cervical myelopathy is often associated with aging and is usually caused by the herniation of a disc. This means that the central jelly-like substance in one of the discs separating the spine's vertebrae pushes into and through the outer layer causing a bulge which can squash the nearby nerve.
Developing the symptoms of cervical myelopathy
The symptoms suffered by the patient depend on the functions of the affected nerves and can develop slowly or more quickly.
An individual may initially notice that they are experiencing back pain followed by a loss of dexterity in the hands. Tasks which were previously easy may become tricky such as manipulating a knife and fork or holding a plate or doing up buttons.
They may start to experience tingling and numbness, alteration of their gait and difficulties in walking and controlling balance.
There may be periods when the symptoms seem to stagnate, followed by a period of deterioration.
It is vital that the condition is diagnosed as early as possible in order to avoid increased degeneration and possible permanent loss of function.
A failure to recognise the symptoms as possibly indicative of cervical myelopathy and a failure to understand the potential for permanent loss of function can lead to a delay in diagnosis and justify a claim for compensation.
Long-term impact of cervical myelopathy
The potential loss of function associated with cervical myelopathy can be utter life-changing.
If an individual loses their mobility, their urinary continence and their manual dexterity, almost every aspect of life is likely to be affected.
Many, if not all, types of work are likely to be beyond the physical capacity of the individual to undertake. This can result in a dramatic loss of income.
The individual's ability to travel and socialise may be severely restricted and dependent, as with many aspects of day-to-day living, on the support of other people. The individual may have considerable care needs.
The suitability of the patient's existing accommodation may also need to be considered as two-storey accommodation may become unfeasible for the individual.
Inevitably, the psychological impact of symptoms and effects such as these can be significant.
Diagnosis of cervical myelopathy
A high level of suspicion is necessary at the diagnosis stage. If a medical professional does not consider that the patient may be developing cervical myelopathy, they may not make a referral for the necessary MRI scan and the opportunity for early surgery may be lost.
An MRI scan should show whether the patient is suffering from spinal cord compression. Because cervical myelopathy is a degenerative condition, meaning that it will continue to get worse, a prompt referral is necessary. A delay may allow time for the patient's spinal compression and associated symptoms to deteriorate.
Treatment
Patients with cervical myelopathy are likely to require surgery to decompress the spine.
The earlier this can take place, the greater the chance that the patient will recover some or all of the nerve function which they have lost so far.
A delay in surgery may be associated with a poorer outcome and permanent disability.
Speak to a solicitor
If oy or a loved one are suffering the long-term impact of cervical myelopathy due to a failure to respond appropriately to your symptoms, you may wish to seek legal advice.
Contact Glynns Solicitors today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about the suitability of making a compensation claim.
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