Prognosis For Cauda Equina Syndrome

The prognosis for Cauda Equina Syndrome is dependent upon various factors, the most important being the length of time between the presentation of symptoms and treatment. This is because the longer the nerves are compressed for, the less likely it is that a patient will regain normal function.

What is the likely prognosis for Cauda Equina Syndrome?

There is only a small window of opportunity in which Cauda Equina Syndrome can be successfully treated. This begins as soon as a patient develops symptoms and ends when the condition progresses to the complete stage. It can take as little as 48 hours for the condition to become complete – meaning there is painless urinary retention – so time really is of the essence. As long as treatment is provided immediately, while the condition is still incomplete, it is possible that a patient will go on to make a full recovery.

But if a patient is not treated within this time frame, their cauda equina nerves will be so damaged that regrowth is in fact impossible. This means that the nerves cannot be repaired, and a patient will be left with long-term neurological complications. This will usually result in the loss of function in the legs, bladder and sexual organs, as well as chronic pain in the legs and back.

Are doctors to blame for your injuries?

If you have suffered long-term complications because of Cauda Equina Syndrome, you need to consider why this occurred. Was it because doctors did not treat you in the early stages of the condition, even though you had sought medical assistance for your symptoms? If so, it is very likely that this delay contributed towards your current cauda equina injuries.

If this has happened to you, it is very possible that medical professionals will be to blame for your poor prognosis. This is because the failure to make a timely diagnosis and perform urgent treatment will be considered unacceptable. You will therefore be the victim of medical negligence, meaning you are entitled to compensation for the suffering you have wrongfully been caused.

Get expert legal advice

If your Cauda Equina Syndrome prognosis has been adversely affected by the actions (or rather inactions) of medical professionals, you need to speak to a solicitor about the treatment you received. A legal expert from the Cauda Equina Solicitors will be able to suggest whether or not you have indeed been the innocent victim of medical error, and if so, will help you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Call us free on 0800 234 3300 or from a mobile click to call 01275 334030 for a no cost, no obligation opinion or complete our free online enquiry form.