Hospital Failings in Cauda Equina Syndrome Medical Management
Recognising the urgency of a cauda equina compression diagnosis is crucial if the patient is to experience the best outcome.
Hospital failings in cauda equina syndrome
If a patient is developing cauda equina syndrome, it is essential that the medical professionals which they encounter in the process of diagnosis recognise the urgency of the situation.
Delays in examination, or delays in contacting specialist services or delays in arranging for an MRI scan to be carried out can very easily prove to be disastrous.
Due to compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine, this life-changing condition can very quickly deteriorate, meaning that a patient who may have made a recovery with an early diagnosis, instead faces a lifetime of double incontinence and loss of mobility.
For a patient with lower back pain and urinary difficulties or sciatica-like symptoms, a thorough assessment is essential and an MRI scan may be required urgently.
A delay in carrying out these procedures may allow sufficient time for the patient's nerve compression to increase. This can mean a greater loss of lower body function than would otherwise have been the case.
If a patient attends Accident and Emergency at a time when their MRI scanning service is not available, the hospital should arrange for a transfer to alternative provision where scanning is available. A delay of a day may be disastrous.
A delay in reporting the results of an MRI scan or a delay in initiating surgery for cauda equina compression can all add to the possibility that the patient will suffer.
Claiming compensation for negligence
If substandard hospital care causes a patient to suffer long-term symptoms which should not have been the case, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
A claim would address the difficulties which the patient is suffering because of their negligent care. This could include a loss of earnings if the patient is now struggling to work due to mobility restrictions or bowel problems.
It could include the costs of care or equipment or treatment where these are necessary for the patient to be able to cope with their symptoms.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience in complex, high-value cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about your situation and the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
We can offer No Win No Fee funding for medical negligence claims which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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