Mobility Issues and Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is associated with a wide range of debilitating and unpleasant physical symptoms. Loss of mobility can have a significant impact on someone’s ability to live independently.

Cauda equina syndrome and mobility

Cauda equina syndrome is a condition affecting the neurological functioning of the lower body. If the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine become compressed, or squashed, they can lose their ability to convey messages to and from the brain and the lower body. This can lead to loss of sensation in the lower body as well as loss of motor function or control of movement in the lower body.

A number of mobility issues can arise from this depending on the degree of compression and the extent of loss of nerve function.

Loss of mobility

Someone suffering with complete cauda equina syndrome may find that they are experiencing numbness and loss of control in the legs. They may also have lost control of their ankle reflexes and be experiencing foot drop where the foot drags behind due to an inability to instruct the muscle to move the foot.

This can mean that the patient requires a walking stick or crutches or, in some cases, a wheelchair.

This can restrict their ability to function independently or to travel far. It may mean that they can no longer drive or require an adapted or automatic vehicle in order to remain independent.

Accommodation issues

For many sufferers of cauda equina syndrome, their loss of mobility means that their existing accommodation is no longer suitable for them to live in. It may be that they need significant adaptations to be made to the home, particularly with regard to bathroom facilities.

It is likely that they will struggle to go up and downstairs if they currently live in two storey accommodation. These mobility problems will probably increase as time passes.

It may therefore mean that they need to move to more suitable, single-storey accommodation where access to the toilet is easier and where there is no need to tackle a set of stairs. Loss of control of the bladder and bowel is a regular feature of cauda equina syndrome and prompt access to a toilet is often crucial to the patient maintaining a dignified quality of life.

Medical negligence

If you are suffering with the long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome due to a delay in your treatment, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.

Contact us to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor with expertise in cauda equina syndrome cases.

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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