15 Day Delay In Treating Cauda Equina Syndrome

After being involved in a road traffic accident, Alice began to experience symptoms consistent with Cauda Equina Syndrome. For the next two years her complaints were repeatedly ignored. Even when a diagnosis was eventually made, her treatment was delayed by 15 days.

When Alice was involved in a road traffic accident, she was immediately taken to hospital and kept in overnight, but only for observation. She returned home the next morning and, after five weeks off, returned to work.
Three months after the accident, however, Alice began to experience lower back pain. Her GP diagnosed fibromyalgia – a condition which causes pain across the body. Alice took the prescribed course of painkillers, but her back began to twist and spasm.

For the next year Alice was back and forth to her GP surgery with these complaints. Finally she was referred to hospital for manipulation treatment, but it was so painful she only attended one session. Still in agony and now experiencing shocks down her legs, Alice persisted with visiting her GP. He then referred her to the nearest hospital, where a doctor recommended physiotherapy sessions.

Alice was feeling desperate. She has been in chronic pain for nearly two years but no one seemed to be taking her seriously.

She returned to her GP where she explained her symptoms again, adding that she was now having trouble passing urine. The GP carried out reflex tests on her feet and legs, after which he suggested that Alice might have spinal cord compression and should be taken to hospital immediately.

In hospital the doctor agreed with the GP’s suspicions and admitted Alice to a ward. However, she did not undergo any further tests for another two days. When an MRI scan was performed, it showed a slipped lumbar disc. But nothing further was done for another week, during which time Alice was in extreme pain, could not pass urine or defecate.

Eventually, her surgeon consulted with another specialist who advised that the slipped disc should be operated upon straight away. Only then – 15 days after being admitted – did Alice undergo decompression surgery, being released a week later.

Alice still suffers from long-term problems. She cannot empty her bladder properly and cannot feel anything around her bottom. She cannot walk long distances and is no longer able to work, putting her in a desperate financial situation. She also cannot do any household chores.

Alice now lives a very confined existence. This, along with her permanent pain, has understandably made her very depressed. Her health will not improve, and she must face a lifetime of pain and suffering – both physically and psychologically.

This devastating outcome is all because doctors repeatedly failed to diagnose and treat Cauda Equina Syndrome. The delay was completely unacceptable and represents a serious breach of duty. We helped Alice claim compensation for this negligence, and she was awarded over £90,000.

(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)

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