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Cauda
Equina Syndrome (CES) Claims
Although relatively rare, Cauda Equina
Syndrome is a very serious condition that frequently results in
disability. When it is identified early, Cauda Equina can
usually be treated, however, if there is a failure to diagnose
the condition, affected claimants may well be able to claim
significant sums of medical negligence compensation.
What is the Cauda
Equina Syndrome?
Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a serious
condition which is caused by the compression of the nerves in
the lower portion of the spinal canal. If diagnosed it is
considered a surgical emergency because if CES is left untreated
it can lead to permanent disability. Medics use a number of red
flags when diagnosing the syndrome, this makes them aware of the
seriousness of the disease.
CES is caused by the significant narrowing
of the spinal canal, it compresses the nerve roots below the
level of the spinal cord. This means that nerves may become
trapped, or unable to function properly in the process.
There are several possible causes of CES:
-
Prolapsed or slipped disc (the most
common)
-
Tumour
-
Impact or injury
-
Spinal disease
-
Inflammation
-
Infection
-
Abscess
-
Congenital defect of the spine
-
Spinal Anaesthesia
-
Trauma
-
Chiropractic medical negligence
-
Spondyloslisthesis
Typical symptoms
of
Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)
There can sometimes be difficulties in
establishing diagnosis of CES. This is because the syndrome
often develops slowly over time and also because individual
patients will experience them in various levels of intensity.
The following are all typical symptoms of
Cauda Equina Syndrome CES:
-
Chronic pain radiating from the Cauda
Equina
-
Lower back pain
-
Numb or weak legs
-
Physical difficulties with intimate
relationships
-
Bowel and/or bladder dysfunction
Claiming Clinical
Negligence Compensation for CES
Medical Negligence claims for Cauda Equina
Syndrome are usually quite large. This is because, tragically,
failure to correctly diagnose CES often results in severe
disability, including, in a number of cases, paralysis.
Clinical Negligence Compensation claims for
CES usually arise as a result of negligent surgery or because of
a delay in the diagnosis. As mentioned before, a delay in the
diagnosis of the illness can result in further and long-term
suffering for the patient. It can worsen the condition, which
often leaves it untreatable. Although there are many causes of
CES, the most common results from a prolapsed disc, this presses
on the nerves at the base of the spinal column.
Failure to diagnose, resulting in a delay
in treatment is a frequent cause of compensation claims for CES.
Damages to the patient, especially younger ones can result in
reduction of the earning capacity for the foreseeable future,
this is additional to the damages for the pain and suffering the
victim undergoes.
In most cases the medical service we
receive is of a high standard, however there are those rare
cases when things go wrong and the medical negligence solicitors
at medical-accidents.co.uk are here to help. We firmly believe
that everyone should receive the medical care they deserve. If
someone does make a mistake, it shouldn’t be the patient that
suffers. If you’re one of the few patients whose illness went
unnoticed and would like to talk to one of our team, contact us
today for a no obligation chat.
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