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.