Cauda equina syndrome claims

What are the causes of cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome is caused by compression of the nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord. The most common causes include:

• Herniated (slipped) disc: This is the most frequent cause, where a disc in the lower spine bulges out and presses on the nerves.
• Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the nerves.
• Spinal injuries: Trauma to the lower back can lead to CES.
• Tumours: Growths in the spine can press on the cauda equina.
• Infections: Conditions like spinal epidural abscess or discitis can cause inflammation and compression.
• Post-surgical complications: Sometimes, complications after spinal surgery can lead to CES.

Who can make a claim for cauda equina syndrome compensation?

Medical negligence leading to serious injury from cauda equina syndrome typically involves a failure to diagnose or treat the condition promptly. Here are some common examples:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: If healthcare professionals fail to recognise the symptoms of CES, such as severe lower back pain, numbness in the saddle area, or bladder and bowel dysfunction, they might not order the necessary urgent MRI scans. This delay can lead to permanent nerve damage.
• Inadequate examination: Not performing a thorough physical examination or failing to take a detailed medical history can result in missing critical red flag symptoms.
• Delayed treatment: Even if CES is diagnosed, delays in surgical intervention to relieve the pressure on the nerves can result in irreversible damage.
• Surgical errors: Mistakes during surgery or post-operative care can exacerbate the condition or fail to alleviate the nerve compression.
• Failure to follow up: Inadequate post-operative monitoring and management can lead to complications that worsen the patient’s condition.

If you or someone you know has experienced such negligence, it might be possible to pursue a medical negligence claim to seek compensation for the injuries sustained.

What are the ‘red flag’ symptoms of cauda equina syndrome?

The Cauda Equina Champions Charity lists a number of ‘red flags’ which refer to a set of symptoms that appear at the onset of Cauda Equina Syndrome. When these symptoms occur, either individually or in combination, they should prompt a medical professional to suspect Cauda Equina Syndrome. Early recognition of these red flags is crucial, as it can lead to a timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Receiving treatment within 24 hours significantly increases the likelihood of a near or full recovery after surgery.

These are the key red flag symptoms:

• Saddle Anesthesia: Loss of sensation or numbness in the areas that would touch a saddle, such as the inner thighs, buttocks, and perineum.
• Bladder and/or Bowel Dysfunction: This includes difficulty starting or stopping urination, urinary retention, incontinence, or loss of bowel control.
• Severe Lower Back Pain: Intense pain in the lower back that may radiate down the legs.
• Leg Pain and/or Sciatica: Pain, weakness, or altered sensation in one or both legs.
• Sexual Dysfunction: New onset of sexual dysfunction, such as difficulty achieving an erection or loss of sensation during intercourse.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s vital to seek immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.

If your diagnosis (and treatment) of CES is delayed, it can have a serious and perhaps even life-changing impact. It is so vital to treat CES quickly. This is highlighted by research from the NHS, which shows that the delay or failure of diagnosis or treatment accounted for nearly two-thirds of CES compensation claims between 2014 and 2016. At Shoosmiths, we are here to help if this happens to you – call our friendly team on 0370 086 8686 or send us a message to see if you might have a claim.

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