Cauda Equina Syndrome Symptoms Misdiagnosed
A misdiagnosis of the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can lead to a catastrophic outcome for the patient. It may also justify a claim for compensation.
Misdiagnosis
Diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome is often a matter of emergency and a misdiagnosis of the early symptoms can cause a significant and life-changing delay in the patient's treatment.
The earliest symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can be misdiagnosed as sciatica.
If a patient attends their GP or Accident and Emergency facility with lower back and leg pain with possible tingling or numbness in one leg, they may receive a sciatica diagnosis. This may, in fact, be the correct diagnosis.
However, a failure by the medical professional to consider other possible explanations and diagnoses may prove disastrous. A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of the patient may mean that significant symptoms are missed. A failure to warn the patient of red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome may lead to further delays.
Examinations for cauda equina symptoms
If the patient appears to be suffering with sciatica, it is essential that their medical professional checks for the following symptoms:
- Altered sensation or tingling in the saddle area between the legs
- Altered experience when urinating - this might be difficulty starting to urinate or a poor flow or having to strain to empty the bladder
- Loss of sensation around the anus and buttocks
- Reduced ankle reflexes
- Symptoms in the second leg
If any other symptoms are present, it is possible that the patient is suffering from compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine. These nerves are responsible of sensation and movement in much of the lower body and a loss of function can leave the patient with incontinence of both bladder and bowel.
Red flag warnings
Red flag symptoms are those which should prompt a patient to seek urgent medical care. If a patient has been given a diagnosis of sciatica but has not been warned of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome , they may start to develop this appalling condition without understanding the need for immediate medical attention.
Medical negligence
Medical professional guilty of either failing to examine a patient who they believe to have sciatica or failing to warn them of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
If the patient suffers a poor long-term outcome as a result, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, experts in cauda equina syndrome compensation claims.
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