Is Pelvic Numbness a Symptom of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Pelvic numbness, referring to loss of sensation around the pelvic region such as the buttocks and saddle region, may well be a sign that the patient is developing cauda equina syndrome.

If these symptoms occur in combination with weakness and pain in the legs, or changes in the patient’s experience of urinating, the patient’s condition could be considered as a medical emergency.

A failure to refer a patient for an emergency MRI scan at this stage could well lead to a significantly worse long-term outcome for the patient and a costly compensation claim.

What causes pelvic numbness?

Pelvic numbness may indicate that the patient is suffering with neurological symptoms. If their cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine are becoming compressed, or squashed, the patient may start to lose their ability to feel in the pelvic region. This might affect the area between the legs and around the genitals as well as around the anus. It may also affect their experience of sexual sensation.

If the cause of these symptoms proves to be nerve compression, the patient will need to undergo decompression surgery. If this does not take place, the patient may find that their nerve dysfunction worsens and the chances of recovery may reduce.

Related symptoms

Someone who is developing cauda equina syndrome may well be experiencing other symptoms which might indicate an underlying neurological cause. These could include:

• Alteration of urinary experience such as having to strain to urinate
• Loss of bladder sensation
• Bladder leakage or incontinence
• Bowel incontinence
• Weakness and pain in the legs
• Reduced ankle reflexes

When a patient attends their GP or A&E unit with lower back and leg pain and symptoms of pelvic numbness, their medical practitioner should investigate any possible additional symptoms indicative of cauda equina syndrome.

Medical negligence

A failure to examine a patient with such symptoms thoroughly might be considered to be substandard care.

A failure to warn a patient of these red flag symptoms and the emergency response associated with them might also be considered to have been negligent.

A failure to refer a patient suffering with the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome might be regarded as negligent.

Speak to a solicitor

If you or a loved one are suffering with the long-term impact of this appalling condition due to a delay in your diagnosis and treatment, contact us to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor with expertise in cauda equina syndrome claims.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300, from a mobile click to call 01275 334030 or complete our Free Online Enquiry for a no cost, no obligation opinion.

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