Negligent Treatment Of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome occurs when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal canal become compressed

. This will lead to a series of neurological symptoms such leg and back pain, bladder and bowel disturbances and loss of sensation in the legs and saddle.

These problems will get increasingly worse unless treatment to decompress the nerves is provided. This must be performed as soon as possible as there is only a small window of opportunity before the nerves suffer irreparable damage.

Treating Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a medical emergency that must be treated as soon as possible if a patient is to regain normal function. When a patient presents with the typical symptoms of CES, doctors must appreciate that although he could be suffering from a minor condition such as a urinary tract infection, he could also be displaying early signs of nerve compression. It is therefore vital to carry out a physical examination and, if this suggests CES, arrange imaging tests. An MRI scan and/or a CT scan will show whether compression of the cauda equina is present, and if so, what the underlying cause is.

Once diagnosed, Cauda Equina Syndrome should be treated urgently. Ordinarily this will involve surgery to decompress the nerves. If the condition is the result of another illness then this must also be addressed. For example, antibiotics given for an infection or a cancer treatment plan devised for a spinal tumour.

If treatment is given in the initial stages of the condition, a patient stands a good chance of making a full recovery. Experts generally accept that no more than 48 hours should lapse between the onset of symptoms and the decompression of the nerves. Any longer than this and a patient could sustain permanent injuries such as urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction and paralysis.

Negligent Cauda Equina Syndrome Treatment

A delay in treatment will inevitably lead to serious complications for a patient which could last in the long-term. Sometimes treatment will be deferred because a patient fails to seek medical attention in the early stages of their illness. However, there are also times when a delay can be directly attributed to medical error. For example, because doctors fail to appreciate the urgency with which surgery must be performed. If this medical error results in a patient suffering injuries that could otherwise have been avoided, there will be a case of medical negligence. Consequently the injured patient will be entitled to pursue a medical negligence claim which, if successful, will result in compensation being awarded.

by: Julie Glynn

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