Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is a condition that occurs when nerves at the base of the spinal cord are compressed together. Resulting in pain in the lower back and/or legs, numbness or weakness in one or both legs, in the buttocks or between the legs (the ‘saddle region’). It can also cause problems with bladder or bowel control and sexual function.

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Delay in diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome

Early diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome are vital to avoid irreversible permanent neurological damage. The condition occurs when the nerves in the spinal canal are damaged for a variety of reasons including disc herniation, spinal tumours or stenosis as well as traumatic injury and other conditions. If left untreated it can lead to loss of bowel and bladder control as well as a loss of sexual function, neuropathic pain and significant mobility issues for the future

“My solicitor was exceptional, keeping me informed throughout, explaining every option clearly and securing a better settlement than expected.”

“CL Medilaw’s communication was first class, keeping me informed and updated throughout the entire process and reassured throughout.”
“CL Medilaw kept me informed throughout my case, providing regular updates, answering questions and offering support when needed.”
“My solicitor was empathetic to my circumstances, engaging with sensitivity, understanding and compassion to ensure I always felt supported.”

A specialist team in spinal injury

We have a specialist spinal team who has worked with many individuals suffering from the impact of spinal injuries including those resulting from cauda equina syndrome.

Alex Tengroth

Senior Associate

Charlotte Measures

Partner

Dan Green

Partner

Dimple Raja

Senior Associate

Gemma Bedford

Partner

James Wright

Partner

Tim Dennis

Partner

Symptoms and treatment

All medical professionals should be aware of and act upon “red flag” symptoms which include:

  • Severe back pain and/or sciatica
  • Pain, numbness or weakness in your buttocks, legs or feet
  • Loss of sensation in your perineal, perianal or genital area.
  • Bladder and bowel problems to include loss of or altered sensation, initiating flow or incontinence

These symptoms warrant an immediate referral to the hospital. The hospital should make a swift diagnosis and ensure lumbar decompression surgery takes place urgently to avoid permanent damage. Delay in surgery or inadequate surgery can result in otherwise avoidable life-debilitating injuries.

Life Changing Stories

We make the legal side of things as easy and worry-free for you as possible. We concentrate on getting answers and the best compensation to provide for your needs, whether that is rehabilitation, care, suitable accommodation, specialist aids and equipment, or all of those things and more.

PX’s Story: Cauda Equina Injury leading to neurological damage

|February 21, 2022|

Our client presented at hospital with a history of back pain and some foot numbness. He had undergone two previous spinal surgeries, with limited [...]

Louise’s Story: Delayed diagnosis of Cauda Equina

|September 24, 2019|

Facts Louise attended her GP practice over several months complaining of leg pain and had been diagnosed with sciatica. On 17 May she attended [...]

How can we help, with your cauda equina claim?

If you have been left with life-changing injuries as a result of a failure to treat cauda equina syndrome urgently or adequately then this may have a huge impact upon your ability to work, carry out domestic chores and activities as well as affecting your relationships with others. A claim for damages can give you future financial security and help you to rebuild your life. Any damages you receive will be tailored to your needs and the impact upon you to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Cauda Equina Syndrome Claim FAQs

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but serious medical condition that occurs when the nerve roots of the cauda equina, located at the lower end of the spinal cord, become compressed or damaged. CES is considered a medical emergency because the compression of these nerves can result in significant and potentially irreversible neurological problems.

The most common cause of cauda equina syndrome is a herniated disc, which is a condition where the gel-like material within the spinal disc protrudes and puts pressure on the nerve roots. Other potential causes include spinal tumors, spinal infections, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), trauma to the spine, or complications from spinal surgery.

The compression of the cauda equina nerve roots leads to a variety of symptoms, which may include:

  1. Severe lower back pain.
  2. Radicular pain: Sharp, shooting pain that radiates into the buttocks, legs, and feet.
  3. Weakness or numbness in one or both legs.
  4. Loss of sensation in the saddle area (the region that would come into contact with a saddle if riding a horse).
  5. Loss of bladder and bowel control, which can manifest as difficulty urinating or defecating, urinary or fecal incontinence, or a feeling of incomplete emptying.
  6. Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or decreased sexual sensation.

If left untreated, cauda equina syndrome can lead to permanent neurological damage, including paralysis, loss of bladder or bowel function, or impaired sensation in the lower body.

All serious injury and medical negligence claims are different and this depends upon when a final prognosis is known and a claim can be valued.

Once we obtain an admission of liability in your case we can request an immediate payment to help with your needs and put support in place.

Medical negligence claims rarely go to court, with only a small percentage of the more complex cases ending up there. However, in the unlikely event that your case reaches court, we will be by your side throughout the process.

It is important to pursue your claim as quickly as possible due to time limits and to also enable us to help you obtain compensation as soon as possible. This is especially the case in complex cases as the process can be lengthy.

You have to start your claim within 3-years (limitation period) from when the injury occurred or when you first became aware of any potential negligence or injury as a result. However, the time limit only begins when a child reaches 18 years of age.