Suing A GP For Missed Cauda Equina Syndrome

If your GP failed to spot the red flag signs of cauda equina syndrome and therefore failed to refer you to hospital for urgent investigations, you could have grounds for a claim.

To find out more, please do not hesitate to contact our expert team of cauda equina solicitors. We are experts in this area of the law and will be able to tell you whether you are entitled to compensation.

Early recognition of cauda equina syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is usually treated by emergency surgery to reduce the compression of the affected nerve. Delays in surgery can lead to permanent nerve damage. This can cause significant difficulties including bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction.

Because of the devastating consequences associated with a delay in surgery, it is important that the condition is diagnosed early on. An early diagnosis hinges largely upon a GP recognising the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome.

GP referral for cauda equina syndrome

Many patients will visit their GP as a first port of call, as cauda equina syndrome can be slow to progress. Many people will not feel it appropriate to go straight to A&E, instead choosing to seek advice and treatment from their family doctor.

It is often quoted that cauda equina syndrome is rare and a GP will see just one case during their career. Even so, GPs should be aware of cauda equina syndrome and know of the red flag symptoms that indicate the condition.

The red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome are:

• Neurological deficit in the legs
• Urinary retention caused because sensation of fullness is lost, or urinary incontinence caused by loss of sensation when urinating
• Faecal incontinence due to loss of sensation of rectal fullness
• Sensory loss around the perineum, anus and buttocks
• Laxity of the anal sphincter

If a patient has these red flag symptoms, he/she must be referred to hospital for investigations for suspected cauda equina syndrome.

Recognising the progression of symptoms

It is important to note that the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can appear gradually. It may not be until a patient’s second or third visit that a competent GP would become concerned about possible cauda equina syndrome. At that stage a patient should be immediately referred with a thorough explanation of their history of symptoms.

My GP did not spot cauda equina syndrome

If your GP did not spot your cauda equina syndrome, meaning that your treatment was delayed, you should talk to a solicitor about your options. You could be entitled to compensation. For more information, contact us today.

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Call us free on 0800 234 3300 or from a mobile click to call 017614 90883 for a no cost, no obligation opinion or complete our free online enquiry form.

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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