Failure to recognise Cauda Equina Syndrome and arrange MRI scan led to serious neurological injuries
The Injury
X now suffers from Cauda Equina syndrome with serious ongoing neurological symptoms.
They have bowel and bladder incontinence, sexual dysfunction, weakness and altered sensation in one leg, neuropathic pain, low back pain, balance problems, fatigue and a psychological injury.
X struggles with mobility and daily activities because of their symptoms, including pain, fatigue and balance problems.
They required decompression surgery and later underwent a further corrective operation.
The quality of X’s life has been significantly affected, and they continue to live with disabling symptoms. It is also likely that X will now have to retire earlier than was planned due to the injuries suffered.
Navdeep Kainth, Partner said - “Cauda Equina Syndrome is a condition that is often not recognised or treated promptly. In this case, as is often seen, the delay in diagnosis and undergoing emergency surgery led to life changing injuries. I hope that lessons will be learned to prevent similar failures from occurring in the future.”
What Happened to Our Client?
X experienced sudden severe back pain radiating into their right leg with numbness in the thigh and leg generally in May.
In the middle of May, X attended the first hospital and was discharged without any further investigations. X’s symptoms progressively worsened over this period including symptoms of numbness around the pelvis (the “saddle area”) and problems with passing urine. X visited their GP and a second hospital during this time and reported their symptoms. X’s case was that symptoms which should have raised concern about Cauda Equina Syndrome were not properly recognised or escalated.
X’s symptoms worsened and they later required urgent decompression surgery after Cauda Equina compression was identified on an MRI scan.
As a result of the delay in diagnosis and treatment of Cauda Equina Syndrome, X has been left with significant ongoing disabling symptoms.
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The Outcome of the Case
We were instructed to investigate a claim for medical negligence on X’s behalf.
After extensive investigations with medical experts, we were able to establish that X should have undergone an MRI scan earlier than they did. If the scan had been undertaken at an earlier stage, X would have had a better outcome.
This was a complex case which required expert evidence from several different disciplines. Allegations were made against the GP and healthcare professionals at both hospitals involved in X’s care. It was denied that X would have been left with such severe injuries and no admissions were made.
The claim was resolved with compensation of six figures paid to X by legal representatives for both hospitals.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome, you can get support from the following charity:
Cauda Equina Champions Charity, www.championscharity.org.uk
MDS is proud to be a Trusted Partner of the Cauda Equina Champions Charity and is a member of the charity’s Expert Legal Panel.
Disclaimer
Whilst our case studies are designed to give an indication of the outcomes that can be achieved in these circumstances, the compensation awarded in individual cases can vary significantly due to a range of factors, including the severity of injury, effects on life expectancy and financial impact, for example. For more information, contact us today.
Our Approach
We will support you, guide you and be your voice throughout.
If you are concerned about the medical treatment that you or a loved one has received, please contact us and one of our specialist team will assist you.
