Acting On The Red Flag Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome has certain red flag symptoms that should prompt medical professionals into urgent action. If there is a failure to do so, there could be grounds for a compensation claim. Contact a solicitor to find out more.

Red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves at the bottom of the spine (called the cauda equina nerves) are compressed. This usually happens due to a slipped disc, although there are various other possible causes, including a spinal tumour, a traumatic accident and an inflammatory disease.

This compression will quickly damage the nerves, causing them to lose function. The affected individual will then begin to notice certain symptoms, including:-

• Severe lower back pain;
• Sciatica (leg pain) either in one or both legs;
• Reduced sensation in the genital area;
• Bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction.

These are the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome.

Red flag symptoms – an early warning sign

Lower back pain and sciatica are very common problems, and these symptoms alone often cause medical professionals to overlook the possibility of cauda equina syndrome. However, when back pain and/or sciatica occur in conjunction with any other red flag symptoms, alarm bells should start to ring and trigger doctors into taking immediate action.

If a patient is attending at a GP surgery, the GP should make an emergency referral to a hospital with a spinal surgery unit. A phone call should also be made to forewarn the hospital and advise them of the urgency required in making a diagnosis. This will ensure there are no unnecessary delays, something which is extremely important if a patient is going to regain normal function.

Failure to recognise the red flag symptoms of CES

Any reasonably competent doctor should be aware of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. If a medical practitioner fails to recognise them in a patient and make a misdiagnosis, the standard of care provided will be considered substandard.

If this causes a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome (which in turn will result in permanent complications) there will be grounds for a cauda equina claim. This means the patient in question will be entitled to pursue legal action against the GP or hospital responsible, allowing them to obtain compensation for the pain, suffering and financial loss that has been caused.

Speak to a cauda equina solicitor today

If doctors failed to spot the red flag symptoms of your cauda equina syndrome, you could be entitled to compensation. To find out more, contact us at the Cauda Equina Solicitors for a free initial enquiry.

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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