Cauda Equina Claims

What is Cauda Equina?

Cauda Equina is a group of nerves at the bottom end of your spine. Cauda Equina Syndrome occurs when these nerves are damaged due to a herniated (slipped) disc, but also by a spinal canal tumour, infection, fracture, or narrowing of the spinal canal. If Cauda Equina has a slow onset, your symptoms may have been dismissed or diagnosed as something else, allowing the condition to get worse. With a rapid onset, speed is key, and treatment should begin as soon as possible. In either case, if your signs or symptoms were misdiagnosed, treatment was delayed, or surgery was not carried out correctly, you could have a cauda equina claim for cauda equina compensation.

What Causes Cauda Equina Syndrome?

The most common Cauda Equina cause is a herniated disc. Other possible causes and red flags for Cauda Equina include:

• Narrowing of the spinal canal
• Lesions on the spine
• Malignant tumours on the spine
• Inflammation or an infection of the spine
• Genetic defects or defects caused during birth
• Inadequate spinal surgery or aftercare

At Patient Claim Line, we have helped many patients whose Cauda Equina occurred as a result of these causes. Healthcare professionals have a duty of care, and any signs and symptoms relating to these issues should be investigated properly to prevent Cauda Equina from advancing.

What Are the Early Signs/Symptoms of Cauda Equina?

Some symptoms of Cauda Equina syndrome are referred to as ‘red flag symptoms’ because they give a clear sign that the Cauda Equina nerves are being decompressed and should be acted on very quickly. Typical symptoms include:

• Severe lower back pain
• Leg weaknesses
• Saddle paraesthesia (a numb sensation between the legs, genitals or buttocks)
• Incontinence (the bladder or the bowel)
• Sexual dysfunction or loss of sexual sensation

Recognising these symptoms early can make all the difference in preventing from developing cauda equina symdrome. 

How is Cauda Equina Diagnosed?

The only way to confirm Cauda Equina syndrome is with an MRI scan. Ideally, it needs to be caught within a few hours, followed by surgery to decompress the spine. It is important that GPs and consultants recognise these symptoms promptly to enable timely intervention and reduce the risk of cauda equina claims due to delayed diagnosis.

How is Cauda Equina Treated?

Immediate treatment is critical to prevent long-term damage. The primary treatment for Cauda Equina syndrome is emergency surgery. The goal is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots as quickly as possible, typically through a procedure called decompression surgery, which involves removing the source of pressure, such as a herniated disc or tumour, to restore normal function to the affected nerves.

In addition to surgery, patients may require pain management, physical therapy and rehabilitation to recover strength, mobility and bladder/bowel control. The rehabilitation process can vary depending on the severity of the damage and how quickly treatment was initiated.

What Happens if it is Not Treated?

If Cauda Equina syndrome is not treated urgently, it can lead to permanent nerve damage. The longer the pressure on the nerves remains untreated, the greater the risk of irreversible consequences. Possible long-term effects of untreated Cauda Equina syndrome include:

• Permanent loss of sensation in the legs and lower body.
• Chronic pain that may become difficult to manage.
• Incontinence or permanent bladder and bowel dysfunction.
• Paralysis in the lower extremities makes it difficult or impossible to walk.
• Sexual dysfunction that may become a permanent issue.

If Cauda Equina Syndrome isn’t treated quickly, it can cause permanent damage and could result in a successful claim where medical care was negligent.

Is Cauda Equina a Permanent Disability?

The level of disability varies greatly from person to person and depends on the severity of nerve damage and how quickly medical intervention is received. Cauda Equina syndrome can result in permanent disability, especially if treatment is delayed. While emergency surgery can often relieve some symptoms, the extent of recovery largely depends on how soon the condition is diagnosed and treated. 

Common Reasons For Making a Cauda Equina Claim?

Cauda Equina is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, many patients experience delays or substandard care due to Cauda Equina negligence. Here are the most common reasons for making a Cauda Equina claim:

Lack of Awareness in Hospitals

Medical staff may not always recognise the symptoms of Cauda Equina syndrome or understand the urgency of treatment. Smaller hospitals in particular may face resource limitations, which can result in delays in diagnosis or referral to specialist units. 

Delayed MRI or CT Scans

In many cases, Cauda Equina patients experience delays in receiving essential diagnostic imaging, such as MRI or CT scans. These delays can range from days to even weeks, and by the time the diagnosis is made, the damage may be irreversible.

Misdiagnosis by GPs

While general practitioners are typically aware of Cauda Equina syndrome, there are instances where they misdiagnose the condition or fail to urgently refer patients for the necessary scans. 

Negligent Surgery

When surgery is necessary, negligent surgical procedures can worsen the patient’s condition. Poorly executed surgery or delays in performing the required operation can lead to further complications, permanent damage and the need for additional surgeries, which carry their risks and potential for long-term injury.

If any of these failings occurred, you may have a right to make a cauda equina syndrome claim for compensation.

How do I know if I have a Cauda Equina Compensation Claim?

If you or a loved one has suffered from Cauda Equina syndrome due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. To determine if you have a valid cauda equina compensation claim, you must be able to show that the medical professionals involved in your care did not meet an acceptable standard of treatment and that their negligent actions led directly to the development of your Cauda Equina syndrome.

How do I Make a Claim?

We have helped hundreds of people claim compensation for Cauda Equina negligence. You can make a claim if any of the following occurred at any point during your Cauda Equina diagnosis or surgery:

• Misdiagnosis of ‘red flag’ symptoms leading to the avoidable progression of the syndrome
• Inadequate surgery leading to permanent damage and ongoing operations
• Failure to even receive decompression surgery
• Delayed treatment, e.g. delayed MRI scans.

Cauda Equina patients can suffer from life-limiting disabilities, such as incontinence or permanent pain, even if the medical treatment is good. As this condition is so serious, delayed or negligent treatment means that you could be entitled to claim compensation.

How Much Compensation Can I Get?

The payout you receive will depend on the impact on your daily life. Compensation is most often awarded for:

• Changes to your home to help with loss of mobility
• Additional household aids
• Cost of care, e.g. if you are no longer able to carry out tasks like shopping or housework
• Loss of earnings if you can no longer work
• Physical therapy to aid recovery
• Sexual dysfunction and the effects of this on your life and well-being
• Emotional distress and suffering