Study Concludes Delays in Diagnosis and Treatment of Cauda Equina Syndrome Were the Prime Cause of Poor Outcomes

A study published in 2013, (Epidemiological Study of Cauda Equina Syndrome, Acta Ortop Bras.2013; 21(3):159-162, by Fuso, Dias, Letaif, Cristante, Marcon and de Barros Filho), suggested  inadequate treatment of cauda equina syndrome patients in the public health system in Sao Paulo. This was a retrospective study of medical records of patients admitted to the hospital orthopaedics and trauma clinics of the authors of the study for treatment of cauda equina syndrome between 2005 and 2011. Despite a well-defined system for managing cauda equina syndrome, including clinical care, MRI scans, CT scans and urgent decompression surgery,  the authors found that there were more patients with complications of cauda equina syndrome than is documented in other literature. They concluded that delays in diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome and treatment delays due to delays in diagnosis were the prime causes of these poor results.

It was found that there was still confusion among health care professionals regarding the classical signs and symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and this precluded a speedy diagnosis. Possible aggravating factors included limited availability of diagnostic equipment, overcrowding of public health services and lengthy waiting lists.

The authors confirmed that urgent decompression surgery remains the most effective treatment for cauda equina syndrome and is the only reliable way to prevent progression of the condition and its permanent consequences. The authors observed a tendency for an improved outlook in patients operated on close to the recommended ideal time.

Chadwick Lawrence LLP’s team of specialist clinical and Medical negligence solicitors are specialists in medical and clinical negligence claims, including cauda equina syndrome compensation claims. Cauda equina syndrome compensation claims can arise when doctors fail to carry out an adequate examination, fail to take a proper history from the patient, fail to refer urgently for an MRI scan and/or for hospital treatment, or fail to advise patients to urgently seek medical attention if they develop ‘red flag’ symptoms, including inability to pass urine, urinary and/or faecal incontinence and saddle anaesthesia. Failure to provide appropriate advice can result in a delay in patients attending hospital when these “red flag” symptoms develop. Other cauda equina syndrome claims relate to delays and/or failure by doctors to recognise or identify “red flag” symptoms resulting in delays in diagnosis and surgery. Claims can also relate to delays in carrying out or failure to carry out surgery at all.

Our expert claimant medical and clinical negligence solicitors at Chadwick Lawrence LLP have a wealth of expertise in dealing with Medical negligence compensation claims of all types, including cauda equina compensation claims. If you believe you or someone you know may have suffered injury as a result of Medical negligence in the management of cauda equina syndrome or other clinical negligence, Chadwick Lawrence LLP’s expert clinical and Medical negligence lawyers can help you obtain justice and compensation for your injuries, past losses and expenses and, where appropriate, compensation to help provide for your future, including for care, loss of earnings, special accommodation and/or equipment needs, rehabilitation, the cost of orthotics, treatment including pain management and experts’ recommended treatments for bowel and bladder problems including incontinence and constipation, increased travel costs and other expenses.

Please contact our specialist Medical negligence solicitors for free legal advice on Freephone 0800 028 2969

Posted by Jacqueline Vance, Associate, Chadwick Lawrence LLP, medical and clinical negligence solicitors and cauda equina syndrome solicitors in Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, Leeds, Bradford, West Yorkshire.

http://www.caudaequinasyndromeclaims.co.uk;

Freephone 0800 028 2969.