Cauda Equina Syndrome is a serious medical emergency whereby the nerves at the bottom of the spine (cauda equina) are compressed. If suspected, an urgent MRI scan is key with a view to performing urgent surgery (usually within 24-48 hours). Timing is therefore absolutely crucial and there are significant ‘red flags’ which clinicians should look out for such as saddle anaesthesia, bladder and/or bowel dysfunction, severe back and/or leg pain and sexual dysfunction.
Clinical negligence in Cauda Equina cases tend to be focused around the fact that the red flags are missed/not picked up on in time or that surgery is not performed quickly enough. At Garratts we have experience in dealing with these life-changing cases and below are two examples of successful cases :
Miss S – Missed red flags
Critical red flags were missed by both Miss S’s GP and subsequently a Physiotherapist. As a consequence, the diagnosis of Cauda Equina was delayed and by the time it was confirmed on an MRI scan, Miss S had already suffered permanent damage in respect of her bladder/bowel function, sexual dysfunction and also in respect of a foot drop. Miss S was awarded £185,000 in respect of her claim.
Miss L – Delay in performing surgery
There was a delay in identifying Cauda Equina Syndrome and therefore a delay in surgery being performed which resulted in a worse outcome for Miss L. She suffered significant sexual dysfunction and also urinary and bowel issues which caused significant psychological suffering. In addition, she suffered worsening back pain as well as leg pain which impacted her employment. Miss L was awarded £110,000 in respect of her injuries.
