Urinary Incontinence Ignored

Symptoms related to the bladder and/or urination might indicate that the patient is developing cauda equina syndrome and their significance should not be under-estimated.

Failing to investigate urinary symptoms

Failing to consider and act on the presence of urinary and/or bladder symptoms in a patient with lower back and leg pain, may delay the surgery necessary to restore bladder function and leave the patient with permanent incontinence.

In a patient with lower back and leg pain, further signs of possible neurological dysfunction, such as bladder symptoms, could indicate that the patient is developing cauda equina syndrome and may require an emergency MRI.

Any signs of bladder dysfunction need immediate attention. A failure to do so may lead to a claim for compensation on behalf of the client who has suffered long-term disability due to delayed diagnosis and surgery.

Urinary and bladder symptoms

Any alteration in urinary experience could be an indication that the patient’s cauda equina nerves are becoming compressed by a problem in the lumbar region such as a herniated disc.

In this situation, the patient might start to experience a variety of bladder or urinary problems such as the following:

• Poor flow
• Alteration from usual flow
• Difficulty commencing urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Reduced awareness of needing to urinate
• Involuntary leakage of urine
• Painless retention of urine

When the patient reaches the point where they have lost the sensation of having a full bladder or are starting to leak urine unintentionally, it may be that surgery has been left too late.

Responding to urinary symptoms

Decompression surgery for cauda equina syndrome ideally takes place before the patient loses bladder sensation and control. Less severe bladder symptoms such as having to strain are the red flag symptoms that should alert a medical professional to the need for immediate and emergency action.

The patient is likely to require an immediate MRI scan to confirm a diagnosis of cauda equina compression, followed by immediate surgery to decompress the nerves.

If the bladder symptoms are not understood or investigation is delayed, the relevant medical professional may be considered to have acted negligently.

Medical negligence

If you or a loved one are suffering the permanent effects of complete cauda equina syndrome due to a failure to take your urinary symptoms seriously, it may be appropriate to consider making a claim for compensation.

We have successfully pursued numerous high-value cauda equina syndrome claims and would be very happy to advise you.

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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