CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME
MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CASES
Cauda Equina Syndrome is generally caused by a prolapsed disc at the base of the spine which exerts pressure on the network of nerves found at the end of the spinal cord which are responsible for lower-body movement. This condition may also be known amongst medical practitioners by other names, including: variable lower extremity motor and sensory loss, bladder and bowel dysfunction, saddle sensory disturbances, unilateral or bilateral sciatica or may be mis-described as lower back pain (which is the most common indication).
This condition is a serious medical emergency and may result in permanent debilitating nerve damage. Cauda Equina Syndrome is not only very uncomfortable but, if left untreated, may render the patient disabled which can include double incontinence and paraplegia. Patients who believe that they may have this or a similar injury are advised to seek urgent medical assistance. Diagnostic techniques include physical examination, CAT scans and MRI scans.
Cauda Equina Syndrome does not cause fatalities but may cause other conditions such as: venus thromboemboli, decubitus ulcers, or bladder infection. There are two basic types of Cauda Equina Syndrome – traumatic Cauda Equina Syndrome (which is not age-specific) and the autraumatic Cauda Equina Syndrome. The latter generally strikes adults because of epidural abscess, metastatic cancer, spinal disc disease or surgical morbidity.
The symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome include :- pain that is frequently concentrated in the lower back; generally perceived tenderness after palpitation or percussion by the doctor; reflex abnormalities; the hallmark pain in the legs or radiating to the lower limbs; sensory abnormality perceived in the lower extremities or perineal area; muscle weakness (due to effects on nerves controlling those muscles); muscle wasting.
Symptoms in chronic Cauda Equina Syndrome include; poor anal sphincter tone; skin breakdown reflected in anesthetic areas; and changes in bladder function.
Cauda Equina Syndrome can result when the patient has undergone some form of trauma, lumbar disk disease, abscess, spinal anesthesia, tumor, late-stage ankylosing spondilitis, idiopathic causes, inferior vena cava thrombosis, lymphoma or sarcoidosis.
Cauda Equina Syndrome should be dealt with as an emergency case requiring immediate attention. Surgery within 48 hours is the preferred treatment option because it permits lumbar decompression and makes more room for the affected nerves. Early detection means a better chance for the patient to recover fully. If this condition is caused by an infection the patient should be given antibiotics. If caused by a tumour there may be a recommendation of chemotherapy treatment and/or radiation therapy. Treatment that is late due to this condition being initially undiagnosed may not be successful or may only be partially successful and if permanent injury results then there may be a potential medical negligence compensation claim.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
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