Bilateral Pain and Numbness in Cauda Equina Syndrome

Bilateral pain and numbness is a red flag symptom of cauda equina syndrome. Anyone who presents with this problem should undergo an MRI scan of their spine to check if cauda equina compression is present.

Cauda equina syndrome pain and numbness

Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves at the base of the spine are compressed. This causes nerve damage and the loss of function. This leads to a range of symptoms, including pain and numbness around the buttocks and legs.

More specifically, the buttocks, legs, perineum and external genitalia will feel abnormal. There may be some sensation, but it will be significantly reduced. In the legs there may just be a band of numbness, rather than a total loss of sensation in the leg.

There may also be strange sensations, such as pins and needles, burning or the feeling of water being poured onto the skin. The pain typically affects the lower back and runs down through the buttocks and into the legs.

Bilateral pain and numbness

When doctors describe something as ‘unilateral’, it means the symptoms are present in just one leg. But when a patient has ‘bilateral’ symptoms, it means the problems are affecting both legs.

Bilateral pain and numbness is a ‘red flag’ symptom of cauda equina syndrome. Red flag symptoms give medical practitioners a strong indication that a condition is present. Red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome mandate immediate investigation.

Indeed, reduced sensation indicates a central disc prolapse, a common cause of cauda equina syndrome. Symptoms such as these put the onus on medical practitioners to perform a thorough examination. An MRI scan of the lower spine is also needed urgently.

Long-term bilateral pain and numbness

If a patient does have cauda equina syndrome, emergency surgery is needed to alleviate the pressure on the nerves. It is possible that even with emergency surgery, the saddle and genital area will remain numb.

However, the outlook is much better if surgery is carried out immediately. If there is a delay, the patient will certainly be left with long-term problems. This will include bilateral pain and numbness, and may also involve further issues such as incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

Claiming for missed cauda equina syndrome

If doctors fail to investigation and act upon the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, there will be a breach of duty. If this causes the patient to suffer long-term problems that could otherwise have been avoided, there will be grounds for a claim.

To talk to a solicitor about claiming compensation, please get in touch with us today.

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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