Timing Issues in Cauda Equina Syndrome Medical Negligence
If medical professionals fail to understand the significance of timing in the development of cauda equina syndrome, the patient may be left with permanent, life-changing disability.
Progressive cauda equina compression
Cauda equina syndrome is a progressive condition where earlier treatment in the form of decompression surgery is likely to bring about a considerably better patient outcome.
As the cauda equina nerves are increasingly compressed or squashed by, for example, a herniated disc, the function of the nerves will suffer. This, in turn, will reduce the efficacy of the bowel, bladder and lower limbs which are all enervated by the cauda equina nerves.
Once diagnosis of cauda equina compression is confirmed by an MRI scan, surgery is considered to be most effective within 24 to 48 hours, the sooner the better.
Timing of diagnosis and surgery
The crucial issue is that, if diagnosis and surgery are delayed, the compression of the nerves may increase and the patient's chance of recovery is reduced. Their loss of function will be greater than it would have been with earlier diagnosis and surgery.
The key to a good outcome is early recognition of symptoms and a prompt referral for an MRI scan.
Early symptoms include pain and tingling in both legs rather than one, altered saddle sensation and altered bladder sensation and function.
If a referral for further investigation is delayed at this point, the patient may suffer a deterioration in both compression of the nerves and loss of function. If this is the case, the degree to which this affects their long-term outcome may be regarded as the fault of the relevant medical professional and may justify a claim for compensation.
Diagnosis and surgery before the patient suffers painless bladder retention is vital to a positive outcome. If diagnosis and surgery are delayed until the patient has lost bladder sensation, they are likely to experience a worse outcome. If such a delay and associated outcome are due to a failure by medical professionals to understand the urgency of the situation, they may be regarded as having been negligent.
If the patient suffers a significant reduction in their quality of life as a result of the negligence, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation. This will address issues such as loss of income due to disability.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice, offering considerable expertise in cauda equina syndrome compensation claims.
Contact us today to talk to one of our team if you believe that you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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