Negligent Misdiagnosis of CES and How to Claim Compensation
A misdiagnosis of possible cauda equina compression symptoms can be a disaster for both patient and medic alike. The patient may suffer permanent disability and the medical professional may face a claim for compensation.
Possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
A patient who is developing compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine may be experiencing a range of possible symptoms including the following:
- Lower back pain
- Pain and altered sensation in the leg, possibly both legs
- Altered sensation in the saddle area
- Altered urinary sensation and function such as having to strain to empty the bladder
- Altered sexual sensation or function
- Altered awareness of needing to go to the toilet or loss of sensation around the anus
If a misdiagnosis of these symptoms is made or if cauda equina compression is not definitively ruled out, the patient may be left with double incontinence and loss of mobility, changing the course of their life entirely.
If there is any uncertainty as to the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms, it is best to err on the side of caution. This may necessitate a referral for a second opinion or a referral for an MRI scan. It is crucial that the patient's symptoms do not go uninvestigated.
A misdiagnosis may be regarded as negligent.
If the patient is left with debilitating symptoms which would not have occurred with an acceptable level of care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Negligence and claiming compensation
The problem with a misdiagnosis for this appalling condition is that the degree of compression and lower body dysfunction can increase over time. It is, therefore, crucial that a correct diagnosis is achieved at the earliest possible moment, prompting decompression surgery. If a medical professional causes a delay in diagnosis, and the patient suffers as a result, they would be entitled to claim compensation for the consequences of the negligence.
If you think that you or a loved one may have been the victim of mismanagement of a cauda equina syndrome diagnosis, consult a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Glynns Solicitors
Glynns is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a history of successful high-value cauda equina claims.
One of our solicitors will be very happy to talk to you about your experience and the possibility of making a claim for the impact of this distressing condition.
Contact us to speak with a specialist solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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