Cauda Equina Syndrome Examination

If you are suspected of having cauda equina syndrome, you must undergo a physical examination to check whether or not you are displaying the typical signs of spinal nerve compression.

Examination for cauda equina syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves at the bottom of the spine are compressed, causing them to become injured and lose function. This will lead to a number of symptoms and physical signs that together indicate the presence of nerve compression.

Normally a person with cauda equina syndrome will first notice a pain in the lower back and leg. This will also be accompanied by altered urinary habits (such as increased frequency but the inability to fully void) and numbness in the perineum. This will prompt them to seek medical attention from their GP or nearest Accident and Emergency department.

When a patient presents with these symptoms, a medical practitioner must takes steps to discover what the underlying problem is. There is a list of conditions that have symptoms very similar to cauda equina syndrome, including more minor complaints such as a urinary tract infection.

Therefore it is important to establish whether a patient has cauda equina syndrome – which is a medical emergency – or something else. To confirm or rule out cauda equina syndrome, an examination should be performed to check whether a patient has the physical signs of nerve compression. This should include:-

• Reflex tests of the lower limbs;
• A genital examination to check for loss of sensation in the perineum, buttocks and genitals;
• A digital rectal examination to check for the loss of anal tone;
• Locating the pain in the back and leg(s) to check if it corresponds with the sciatic nerve.

Failure to examine for cauda equina syndrome

If a patient is displaying the physical signs of nerve compression, no time should be wasted in carrying out an urgent MRI scan. This will confirm a diagnosis and emergency treatment can be performed.

If there is a failure to take these steps because a medical practitioner does not bother to do a physical examination, the consequences could be costly. Indeed, cauda equina syndrome must be treated immediately if long-term complications are to be avoided. If treatment is delayed because medical professionals failed to take the necessary diagnostic steps, the standard of care will be considered unacceptable.

Contact a solicitor today

To find out if you are able to claim compensation for cauda equina syndrome, do not hesitate to 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.

Share Article With: