Is Loss of Bladder Control a Sign of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome can cause a wide range of disabling lower body symptoms but bladder difficulties are possibly the most significant.

The loss of sensation in and control of the bladder is key not only as an indication that the patient may be developing cauda equina syndrome but also as a warning that surgery may be necessary as a matter of emergency.

Cauda equina syndrome symptoms

Someone developing cauda equina syndrome, may be experiencing a range of symptoms such as the following:

• Lower back pain
• Pain and tingling or numbness in one or both legs
• Loss of feeling between the legs and around the anus
• Alteration in urinary function
• Alteration in sexual sensation and experience
• Loss of sensation and control in bowel function

The symptoms of the condition usually start with lower back and leg pain and it is not until the saddle area begins to be affected that the possibility of cauda equina syndrome becomes more likely.

Bladder symptoms

The functioning of the bladder is a key indicator at this point of the nature of the problem and what needs to be done.

Bladder symptoms of cauda equina syndrome may present in a number of ways:

• The patient may notice that their experience of urinating changes – for example, they may need to strain in order to wee or they may not be able to empty their bladder
• The level of flow may alter
• They may no longer be aware of the feeling of needing to wee i.e. having lost sensation
• They may not be able to control or prevent urination, becoming effectively incontinent

Symptoms such as these, in combination with leg pain and numbness, may well suggest that the patient is developing cauda equina syndrome.

Bladder symptoms and surgery

The nature of the patient’s bladder symptoms are also considered significant in determining the urgency with which surgery needs to be undertaken.

Ideally, a patient who is developing cauda equina syndrome requires decompression surgery before they lose control of their bladder.

Therefore, awareness of bladder symptoms and their significance is vital. A GP or A&E practitioner faced with a patient who may be developing cauda equina syndrome should enquire as to their bladder symptoms.

If the patient still retains some bladder sensation and control but is aware that their function is deteriorating, surgery may be considered to be an emergency – within hours.

Medical Negligence

If a patient’s bladder symptoms are not recognised as requiring an emergency response, allowing the patient to deteriorate before surgery is carried out, the medical practitioners may be considered to have acted negligently.

If you are suffering with the appalling effects of cauda equina syndrome due to a failure to diagnose promptly, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

Contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.

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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