Cauda Equina Syndrome is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention. When this doesn’t happen, the consequences can be life-altering and permanent.
At O’Donnell Solicitors, our Medical Negligence team specialises in representing clients who have suffered avoidable harm as a result of delayed diagnosis and treatment of Cauda Equina Syndrome.
Here we take a closer look at the issues associated with delayed diagnosis and how to go about making a medical negligence claim.
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda Equina Syndrome occurs when the cauda equina nerves, located at the base of the spinal cord, become compressed. This compression can rapidly lead to severe nerve damage if not treated urgently, often within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset.
Key symptoms include:
- Severe lower back pain
- Sciatica-type pain in one or both legs
- Weakness, numbness or tingling in the legs
- Numbness around the buttocks or genitals (the ‘saddle’ area)
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction, including retention or incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
Where Cauda Equina Syndrome is suspected, an urgent MRI scan should be undertaken. If confirmed, emergency spinal surgery is usually required to relieve pressure on the nerves.
Delayed diagnosis – what can go wrong?
Unfortunately, we frequently encounter cases where symptoms are misdiagnosed as routine back pain or where there are delays in obtaining scans, specialist referrals, or surgical treatment.
When diagnosis and treatment are delayed, patients can be left with permanent damage, including:
- Bladder and bowel incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Chronic pain
- Loss of mobility
- Loss of independence
- Psychological distress
Ken Lees, who leads the Medical Negligence Department at O’Donnell Solicitors, has acted for many clients who have suffered long-term and life-altering injuries due to delayed treatment of Cauda Equina Syndrome. His detailed understanding of both the medical and legal issues involved ensures that clients receive thorough representation, justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Many of the clients Ken has supported have gone on to secure substantial compensation settlements, helping them access ongoing medical care and support they need.
Why choose O’Donnell Solicitors?
We understand how traumatic and overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of medical negligence, particularly when the damage is life-changing. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Our clinical negligence solicitors provide a free initial consultation to assess your potential claim and no-win, no-fee representation (in appropriate cases).
Get in touch
If you or a loved one has experienced a delay in the diagnosis or treatment of Cauda Equina Syndrome and has suffered lasting harm as a result, you may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim.
We are here to help you understand your rights and take the next steps toward securing the compensation and support you deserve.
Contact Ken Lees to arrange a free initial consultation on 01457 761 320 or Kenneth.Lees@odonnellsolicitors.co.uk.
