Questions Doctors Should Ask When Diagnosing Cauda Equina Syndrome

When a patient presents with symptoms associated with Cauda Equina Syndrome, there are a number of essential questions doctors must ask that will help lead them to an accurate diagnosis.

Essential Questions Doctors Must Ask

The process of diagnosing Cauda Equina Syndrome should begin with an examination, during which a doctor must ask the patient certain questions that will determine whether or not nerve compression could be at play. These essential questions include the following:-

• Do you have a history of back pain? Put your finger(s) on the worst place: chronic lower back pain is often the first symptom to present, as the spine will be pressing upon the cauda equina nerves located at the bottom of the spinal cord. However, back pain can be caused by a number of other factors, so it is important to consider this symptom in conjunction with any other complaints (as described below).
• Do you have any leg pain? The cauda equina nerves join the sacral plexus, which then continues as the sciatic nerve. This is the longest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back, through the buttocks and leg, and down to the foot. If you are experiencing pain in one or both your legs and the location of your pain is consistent with sciatic nerve irritation, this is an indication the cauda equina nerves are being compressed.
• Does your backside/genital area feel normal? The cauda equina nerves enable sensation in the buttocks and genitalia. If sensation in these areas is reduced, this will point towards nerve compression.
• Can you feel whether your bladder is full? Have you noticed a change in toilet habits? The cauda equina nerves also control the function of the bladder and the bowel. Many patients will suufer constipation. However, because human beings urinate several times a day, a change in urinary habits is a more recognisable symptom. Reduced bladder sensation and needing to strain when voiding are common complaints.
• Can you tighten your anus? Because of the diminished function in the pelvic area, Cauda Equina Syndrome is also associated with poor anal tone. Consequently some patients will report faecal incontinence.

Failure to diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome

Despite the rare nature of Cauda Equina Syndrome, medical professionals should be aware of the problem. Furthermore, a competent doctor should know the tale-tell symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome, and perform a thorough examination to rule out or confirm a diagnosis.

If doctors fail to take recognise the condition, resulting in a delay in diagnosis, there could be grounds for a compensation claim. To find out more about claiming compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome, contact us today at The Cauda Equina Solicitors.

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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