No Examination for Cauda Equina Syndrome

If you were seen by your GP or A&E practitioner with the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome but were sent home without appropriate examination, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

Early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

If a patient attends their medical practitioner with the following symptoms, it is possible that they are starting to develop cauda equina syndrome:

• Lower back pain
• Leg pain with numbness or tingling (possibly in both legs)
• Alteration in urinary experience – poor flow or having to strain to empty the bladder

An examination at this stage could indicate to the medical professional if the symptoms might be caused by neurological problems. This means that the symptoms might be occurring because the patient’s nerves are not functioning properly rather than it being a muscular problem or blood clot, for example.

If an examination suggests there is a neurological cause, it would be appropriate to refer the patient for an MRI scan which would confirm whether or not there is a problem with the cauda equina nerves.

A failure to examine at this point which means that the patient deteriorates to complete cauda equina syndrome before surgery can be carried out might be considered to be a substandard level of medical care.

Appropriate examinations

In order to assess the cause of the patient’s symptoms, the medical practitioner might undertake some of the following tests:

• A pin prick test to the perineal and perianal area to identify if the patient is experiencing loss of sensation in the saddle area, a key symptom of cauda equina syndrome
• A digital rectal examination to test the extent of anal control
• A straight leg raising test to assess the point at which the patient experiences pain when raising the leg
• An ankle reflex test could demonstrate if there is any likely neurological damage to the cauda equina nerves. A lack of reflex might indicate the nerves are no longer fulfilling their function properly.

Referral for an MRI

A failure to refer a patient for an MRI scan is a frequent cause of a poor outcome for cauda equina syndrome patients. The patient’s condition can deteriorate very suddenly and, once the patient has lost control of the bladder, their chances of recovery are much less than had they undergone nerve decompression when the first signs of bladder dysfunction were evident.

Therefore, an emergency MRI referral at the right moment can change the pattern of the patient’s entire future from one of a lifetime of physical disability to one of recovery and function.

Medical Negligence

A failure to examine and a failure to refer for an MRI when early symptoms were apparent is also often a cause of a claim for compensation.

If you are suffering with the appalling long-terms effects of poorly-diagnosed cauda equina syndrome, contact us to discuss your situation 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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