Cauda Equina Syndrome is a very serious condition. If you have suffered CES as a result of a misdiagnosis or a failure on the part of your medical practitioners to make a prompt diagnosis, you may have a medical negligence claim*.
Why Choose Hanahoe and Hanahoe LLP
We are an award winning, highly respected medical negligence law firm, with offices in Naas, Dublin, Portlaoise, Maynooth and Clane. We advise clients in all manner of medical negligence claims*, from right across the country. Our firm has been advising clients for nearly 45 years and we have the experience you need to bring a Cauda Equina compensation claim*. We understand the life changing consequence CES can have on clients and the need for our solicitors, not only to advice our client properly, but also to deal with clients in compassionate and empathic manner.
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the bundle of nerves below the end of the spinal cord, known as the cauda equina, are damaged. It is a serious spinal condition that affects the lower part of the spinal cord and it is classified as a medical emergency. Immediate diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Symptoms of CES include:
- Severe lower back pain
- Numbness or tingling in the saddle area
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Leg weakness
- Sexual dysfunction
Failure to address CES swiftly can result in permanent, debilitating damage.
What Causes Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda Equina Syndrome is typically caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves located at the lower end of the spinal cord. Common causes include:
- Herniated Disc: A slipped or ruptured disc in the lower spine can press on the nerves.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the cauda equina.
- Spinal Tumors: Abnormal growths in the spine can put pressure on the nerve roots.
- Trauma: Injuries from accidents or falls can damage the spine and affect the cauda equina.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Severe infections or inflammatory diseases like ankylosing spondylitis can lead to nerve compression.
- Post-Surgical Complications: Rarely, complications from spinal surgery can cause CES.
What are the consequences for patients who suffer Cauda equina syndrome
(CES) is a serious neurological condition that occurs when the bundle of nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord (the cauda equina) is compressed. This compression can lead to various symptoms and injuries, which can have severe and lasting impacts if not treated promptly. Here are the potential injuries and symptoms associated with cauda equina syndrome:
- Severe Lower Back Pain: This is often one of the first symptoms and can be intense and debilitating.
- Radicular Pain: Pain that radiates down the legs, often referred to as sciatica.
- Motor Weakness: Weakness in the legs, which may lead to difficulty walking or even paralysis if severe.
- Sensory Loss: Numbness or loss of sensation in the lower body, particularly in the “saddle area” (the areas that would touch a saddle if you were riding a horse).
- Bladder Dysfunction: Difficulty in urinating, which may progress to urinary retention (inability to pass urine) or incontinence.
- Bowel Dysfunction: Loss of control over bowel movements, leading to incontinence.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Problems with sexual function, which can include loss of sensation and erectile dysfunction in men.
- Loss of Reflexes: Reduced or absent reflexes in the legs and feet.
Failing to Diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Despite the severity of Cauda Equina Syndrome, it is possible for medical practitioners to misdiagnosis or fail to diagnose the condition due to several factors:
- Atypical Presentation: CES symptoms can sometimes overlap with less severe conditions like sciatica or lower back strain, leading to misdiagnosis.
- Inadequate Examination: A thorough neurological examination is essential, but in busy clinical settings, this might be overlooked.
- Lack of Awareness: Some medical professionals might not be sufficiently familiar with the specific signs and urgency of CES.
- Delayed Imaging: Prompt MRI scans are crucial for diagnosing CES, but delays in ordering and conducting these scans can lead to missed or delayed diagnosis.
Medical Negligence and Cauda Equina Syndrome
In cases of Cauda Equina Syndrome, medical negligence can have grave consequences. Common examples of medical negligence include:
- Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to order necessary imaging or tests despite clear symptoms.
- Inadequate Treatment: Delaying or not providing essential surgical intervention.
- Misdiagnosis: Incorrectly attributing CES symptoms to less severe conditions.
If you believe medical negligence has led to or exacerbated your Cauda Equina Syndrome, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim*.
How to Start a Cauda Equina Syndrome Compensation Claim
Starting a compensation claim for Cauda Equina Syndrome involves several key steps:
- Seek Legal Advice: Contact our experienced medical negligence solicitors for a consultation to discuss your case.
- Detailed Statement: Once we have consulted with you and obtained a details statement setting out what exactly occurred, a detailed account of your symptoms, medical visits, and the impact of CES on your life.
- Medical Records: We will then take up all your relevant medical records and documents related to your diagnosis and treatment.
- Expert Review: We will then instruct a suitably qualified expert to provide us with his opinion as to whether there has been a breach of duty of care by your medical practitioners
- Issuing Proceedings: If we receive an expert opinion outlining a breach of duty of care, we will brief a barrister and then issue medical negligence proceedings.
Our team will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand the process and receive the support you need.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one are affected by Cauda Equina Syndrome and suspect medical negligence, one of our team will be happy to discuss the matter further with you.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For professional legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified medical negligence solicitor.