Cauda Equina Syndrome Claims

Claiming Compensation

When deciding which solicitor to use for your Cauda Equina claim the most important question to ask is whether the solicitor has run successful cases for Cauda Equina compensation previously.

Our NHS Negligence solicitors act for clients throughout England and Wales and have a successful track record in Cauda Equina Syndrome litigation. If you or a loved one has suffered due to misdiagnosed or failure to diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome, call our specialists today on 0333 987 4161 for a free evaluation of your possible case.

Cauda Equina Symptoms

Cauda Equina is a spinal injury, affecting a bundle of nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord. When these nerve roots become compressed, the below symptoms can manifest:

• Severe low back pain
• Neurological symptoms in the lower body including progressive pain, numbness or weakness in one or both legs
• Progressive loss of or altered sensation in legs, buttocks, inner thighs and feet
• Recent problems with bladder/bowel function e.g. difficulty emptying bladder, poor stream, dribbling, incontinence, constipation
• Sudden onset of sexual dysfunction

Causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome

There are a number of reasons why Cauda Equina Syndrome may occur such as injury and other medical conditions. It is important that CES is diagnosed and treated quickly to avoid lasting complications which could include:

• Trauma to the lower back
• Prolapsed lumbar disc
• Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
• Spinal lesion or tumour
• Abnormal growths (cancer or tumour) adjacent to the lower spinal cord
• Spinal infection, inflammation, haemorrhage or fracture
• Accidental medical causes such as poorly positioned screws in the spine, surgical errors and continuous spinal anaesthesia

Cauda Equina Syndrome Treatment

When Cauda Equina symptoms occur it is extremely important that they are recognised as soon as possible and surgical decompression performed urgently in order to minimise the damage to the nerves.

If the nerve compression is allowed to persist for more than 48 hours it is more likely that any nerve damage will be irreversible.

If the symptoms are recognised promptly and surgical decompression performed urgently then a full recovery should result.

Time Limit to Bring a Claim

There is a three year time limit under English and Welsh jurisdiction to bring a claim for medical negligence.