Misdiagnosis of Spinal Cord Compression
Spinal cord compression can be a medical emergency. Failure to identify that the patient is suffering with spinal cord compression can lead to devastating and debilitating symptoms for the patient and a costly compensation claim against the medical professionals.
Why is spinal cord compression so debilitating?
Unless compression of the spinal cord is recognised and treated in a timely manner, the patient may be left with a range of permanent symptoms depending on the location of their compression. These symptoms can include the following:
- Loss of feeling in limbs
- Loss of feeling in hands and feet
- Loss of feeling around the pelvic region including the bowel, bladder and sexual organs
- Loss of control of muscles in all regions, leading to loss of mobility and incontinence
An extremely unfortunate patient can become paralysed if all connection is lost between the brain and the nerves.
Symptoms of this nature are secondary to a problem occurring in the spine which is causing the spinal cord to become compressed. They are described as neurological symptoms.
The basis of neurological symptoms
Neurological symptoms are effects on the body caused by a failure in the functioning of the nerves.
The nervous system is absolutely fundamental to the functioning of the body. It is what carries messages of sensation (such as sight and feeling) from receptors all over the body up to the brain for processing. The nervous system also carries instructions from the brain to the muscles to carry out certain actions such as walking, standing, moving hands and feet, emptying the bladder and bowel.
Consequently, if the nerves are damaged at some point, their function will reduce or, possibly, fail altogether.
Location of spinal compression
The spinal cord can become compressed at any point in the spine from the cervical spine in the neck, through the thoracic spine in the central upper body, down to the lumbar region at the base of the back.
Causes of spinal compression
Anything which puts pressure on the spinal cord can cause compression of the nerves.
This can be an internal condition such as a tumour, inflammation of the spine, an abscess or an infection.
It could be the product of a herniated disc where the distortion of the disc causes pressure on the nerves.
Alternatively, it could be the product of trauma where the patient has suffered an accident and damaged the spine, causing compression of the spinal cord.
Diagnosis of spinal compression
A delay in diagnosing compression of the nerves can reduce the chances that any surgery may be less successful than had diagnosis and treatment taken place at a significantly earlier time.
It is vital, therefore, that any patient attending their medical professional with spinal conditions and pain is also assessed for any sign of neurological dysfunction.
The patient may require an x-ray or MRI scan or CT scan to assess the spine and any possible compression.
If compression of the nerves is evident, the patient may require decompression surgery as a matter of emergency.
Symptoms of spinal compression
The patient is likely to be experiencing pain in the spinal region as a result of their underlying condition, such as a fracture or tumour.
Symptoms which might suggest that the nerves are becoming compressed, however, could include the following:
- Tingling or loss of sensation in the hands or feet or legs
- Burning sensation in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the limbs or problems with co-ordination
- Reduced sensation in the saddle region between the legs and around the buttocks
Symptoms such as these require urgent or emergency investigation. In some circumstances, the patient will need surgery within hours.
Medical negligence
A patient who suffers permanent loss of neurological function is likely to find that their life is changed dramatically. They may become unable to work, unable to walk and unable to live independently. They may need to move to alternative accommodation and require care.
Where such an outcome is thought to be due to a failure to recognise, investigate or act on the patient's symptoms, the relevant medical professional may be considered to have acted negligently.
In these circumstances, the patient may be entitled to make a claim for compensation for their pain, suffering and losses.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering with the appalling long-term impact of delayed diagnosis of spinal compression, contact us to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your situation.
Call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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