Cauda Equina Syndrome - Medical Malpractice Lawyers

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CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME MALPRACTICE


Medical Emergency


Cauda Equina Syndrome is a medical emergency and if left untreated for even a short period of time can cause paralysis below the waist, double incontinence and general loss of sensation including diminished sexual response. The condition arises due to pressure being placed on the bundle of nerves at the base of the spine called the caudal equina (whose literal translation from Latin means 'horses tail'). There are numerous symptoms and failure by a physician to recognise this condition and arrange emergency medical treatment can give rise to legal action for medical negligence to claim personal injury compensation.

Potential Severe Disability


The most common claim made against medical institutions relating to cauda equina syndrome results from delays in diagnosis and failure to note the patients worsening condition and subsequent insensitivity. MRI and CAT scans can both be performed for confirmation of the diagnosis of cauda equine syndrome. [It is worth noting that medical negligence may also lie with a neurologist who performs an unsuccessful operation which may make matters worse]. The value of the financial award in a claim for medical negligence for cauda equine syndrome can be very substantial especially for younger claimants after taking into account substantial disability and lost earning capacity.

CES Symptoms


The early symptoms of cauda equine syndrome include pain to the legs and lower back, specifically the sacral region of the back, weakness in the back and legs together with sensory loss in the 'saddle' area. This condition is usually caused by a prolapsed (slipped) disc that presses down on the nerves that make up the cauda equina consisting of nerve roots at the base of the spine that eventually fan out between the vertebrae to control the bodily functions below the waist.

Free Legal Advice


If you believe you have not received adequate attention from your healthcare provider and have suffered prolonged pain and distress through medical negligence you should take urgent advice from a specialist medical negligence solicitor who will assist you in making a legitimate claim for damages for personal injury. There are time limits and you should not delay.

Cauda Equina Syndrome Quotation


Mr David Markham, chairman of a major medical insurance group, who is also a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, urged doctors, health advisers, triage nurses and medical staff in emergency rooms to ensure they were aware of the condition and added :-

    "This problem is an acute surgical emergency which occurs when a group of nerves at the base of the spine become trapped. It is an uncommon condition, rarely encountered by most doctors but once suspected it is not a difficult syndrome to investigate. Early diagnosis and urgent action is essential as failure to treat promptly always leaves the patient with permanent, severe, devastating disabilities and the doctor facing potential allegations of negligence which may be difficult to refute."