Lower Body Function Losses and CES Negligence
A delay in diagnosis and surgery for cauda equina syndrome can leave the patient with permanent lower body dysfunction. If medical professionals have been negligent in their care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina syndrome and lower body function losses
Complete cauda equina syndrome, or CESR, is associated with severe loss of nerve function. When the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine become compressed, surgery is a matter of emergency. If surgery is delayed, it may not be possible to re-establish nerve function and the patient's symptoms may be irreversible.
The crucial role of the cauda equina nerves means that a loss of function in the nerves can cause the following permanent symptoms in a patient who is suffering this appalling condition:
- Bowel incontinence
- Bladder incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of mobility
Understandably, the impact of this shocking combination of symptoms is utterly life-changing, affecting an individual's self-confidence, their ability to work, their personal and social relationships and their fundamental independence. In addition to the psychological impact of trying to come to terms with this situation, the patient may find that they are experiencing a significant loss of income whilst facing a dramatic increase in costs due to the problems caused by their condition.
Medical negligence and claiming compensation
The timing of diagnosis and surgery for cauda equina syndrome is fundamental to the patient's outcome and it is not uncommon for a delay to occur. Where a delay in medical care causes the patient to suffer a worse outcome than would otherwise have been the case, the patient is entitled by law to claim compensation for the effects of the medical negligence.
Medical negligence which may cause a life-changing delay in the commencement of surgery could include the following:
- A failure to recognise that the patient's symptoms may indicate cauda equina syndrome
- A misdiagnosis of symptoms
- A delay in making a referral for an MRI scan
- A delay in arranging an MRI scan
- A failure to warn a patient, where appropriate, of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and the need to attend hospital immediately should they develop
- A delay in undertaking surgery
Legal advice
If you or a family member are struggling with the shocking impact of cauda equina syndrome due to negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss the suitability of making a claim for compensation.
As a dedicated medical negligence legal practice, we have extensive expertise in cauda equina claims and one of our specialist solicitors will be very happy to talk to you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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