Permanent Injuries Resulting From Cauda Equina Syndrome

If Cauda Equina Syndrome is not diagnosed and treated in the early stages of the condition, it can sadly result in permanent nerve damage and long-term health complications. In this article we explore how Cauda Equina Syndrome can lead to such devastating effects, helping you to understand why you have suffered permanent injury, and whether or not there is anything you can do about it.

How does Cauda Equina Syndrome cause permanent injury?

At the bottom of the spinal cord sits a bundle of nerves called the cauda equina, which in Latin means ‘horse’s tail’. If these nerves become compressed for any reason – perhaps because of a slipped disc or a spinal tumour – they will quickly become damaged. As the injury takes hold, the nerves will begin to lose their function, causing symptoms such as lower back pain, leg weakness, urinary disturbances and sexual dysfunction. This is known as Cauda Equina Syndrome.

As soon as symptoms develop, it is absolutely vital the individual in question seeks medical assistance. However, if a patient fails to seek medical advice, or doctors fail to diagnose and treat Cauda Equina Syndrome in a timely fashion, the nerves will continue to be compressed. The damage will quickly become more and more extensive, causing a patient’s symptoms to worsen. Within a relatively short space of time (usually around 48 hours) the amount of damage will be so severe that the sensory nerves are irreparably harmed. Treatment may alleviate symptoms, but ultimately a degree of dysfunction will persist.

What long-term injuries are associated with CES?

If the cauda equina does suffer irreparable injury, the patient will be left with long-term health complications. This will occur because the nerve fibres responsible for transmitting sensation have been unable to regrow effectively, thereby leading to a series of neurological problems. The exact nature of these long-term injuries will vary depending on how much damage has been sustained, but may include:-

• Partial or total paralysis;
• Urinary dysfunction, necessitating a urinary catheter;
• Bowel dysfunction, necessitating a colostomy bag;
• Sexual dysfunction;
• Chronic lower back pain;
• Lower extremity weakness;
• Loss of saddle and perineal sensation.

Is there any action you can take?

If you have suffered long-term injuries because of Cauda Equina Syndrome, you will understandably be feeling extremely distressed. Your whole world will have been turned upside down by this devastating condition, leaving you unable to live your life as you once did.

Nevertheless, there may be something that you can do about it, as you might be entitled to compensation for the permanent problems you have been left with. Although this will not undo the damage that you have been caused, it will at least provide you with financial support during what will undoubtedly be a very difficult time.

To find out whether you are entitled to compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome, contact us today at the Cauda Equina Solicitors.

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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