CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME
The cauda equina is the bundle of nerves which runs from the base of the spinal cord and fans out like a horses tail. These nerves are vital for normal sensation and function in the bladder and bowel. If you have suffered or are still suffering with low back pain, healthcare professionals should always keep alert for signs of cauda equina compression.
If not dealt with swiftly, compression of these nerves can lead to:
- Bladder and/or bowel dysfunction – retention and incontinence of urine and/or faeces
- Sexual dysfunction – impotence and loss of ejaculation or orgasm
- Loss of sensation or tingling in the “saddle area” i.e. between the legs
- Muscle weakness or wasting
- Severe pain in the back, buttocks, between the legs or radiating down the legs
- Loss of normal reflexes
These signs and symptoms are known medically as “red flags” and should instantly alert any healthcare professional to the possibility of cauda equina compression.
It is generally considered that if there is no relief of these symptoms within 48 hours, urgent surgical intervention is required to remove the cause of the compression.
It is therefore vital that the warning signs for this condition are picked up early by your healthcare professional. If one or more healthcare professionals have missed any of these signs and symptoms, they may be considered negligent, and you may be able to claim for any ongoing disability you suffer.
What causes cauda equina syndrome?
Cauda equina syndrome is compression of the cauda equina nerves, which can happen for a number of reasons. One of the most common is a prolapsed or bulged disc, which can press onto the nerves. This can happen very suddenly and without warning giving rise to the symptoms outlined above.
Other causes of compression could be spinal surgery, toxic damage due to spinal anaesthetics, a traumatic spinal injury, slippage of one vertebrae on another, spinal manipulation, demyelination of the nerves, inflammatory conditions, infections, or growths e.g. cancer.
Will I ever recover from a cauda equina compression injury?
Each injury will differ, and your doctor will advise you of the likelihood of your symptoms resolving. Unfortunately, if the nerves have been compressed for some time, the damage sustained is often irreversible and the prognosis poor.
Damages can be substantial, particularly in younger victims due to the loss of potential earning capacity in addition to the extra assistance, which may need to be paid for due to the injury. Claims are often made due to a delay in diagnosis and treatment, inadequate or negligent surgery, or by spinal cord injury.
I think I have a claim. Where do I go from here?
Spinal injury conditions are an extremely complex area and it is essential that you speak to a specialist as soon as possible. Ashton Lake Solicitors are specialists in bringing medical negligence claims of this nature. As experts, we are skilled in identifying from the medical records and from witness evidence what procedures were followed. We will detect and prove negligent action on the part of the medical professional where they have provided a sub standard level of care. Our aim is to get to the truth of how and why the negligent action occurred and to obtain the maximum compensation possible. We pride ourselves in high levels of client care and will always progress your claim with sensitivity at every stage of the process.
If you wish to make an enquiry then please complete the online enquiry form or call 01509 262621 to speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor who will be available to discuss your case further. We offer a wide choice of funding arrangements including no win no fee.
