What Causes Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a rare and very serious condition. Regardless of how CES occurs, it is vital that any patient is treated as a surgical emergency.
 
Located within your spine are various nerve roots which are responsible for sending and receiving signals or messages to different parts of your body.
 
The area relevant to CES is just above the waist which is approximately where the spinal cord ends. The group of nerves in this region are called the Cauda Equina.
 
The Cauda Equina are responsible for the supply of nerves to the lower limbs, bladder and bowels. They also supply sensation to the skin around the back passage and bottom (otherwise known as the perineal area).
 
CES occurs when the nerves are compressed which can result in an individual suffering from one or more of the red flag signs and symptoms including bladder and bowel dysfunction, saddle anaesthesia, sexual dysfunction and nerve root problems in the lower limbs.

How can Cauda Equina Syndrome occur?

Here of some of the ways CES can occur:

• Large lower lumbar disc herniation – this is usually compression of the discs at the L4/L5 and L5/S1 area. The NHS describes a herniated disc as being a “slipped disc” which occurs “when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out”. This is said to be the most common way CES can occur.

• Congenital – a patient may have a congenitally narrow spinal canal (through problems such as spina bifida) or may have acquired spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spaces within your spine).
• Tumours – such as metastases, lymphomas and spinal tumours.
• Trauma resulting in injuries such as fractures.
• Infection – including circumstances where an abscess may form either within the spinal canal or by pressing on the Cauda Equina.
• Post operative complications such as a haematoma. A haematoma is a solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissues. Such a complication can occur following a spinal anaesthetic.

 
The above is not an exhaustive list.
 
Irrespective of how CES occurs, the red flag signs and symptoms of CES remain the same and urgent medical advice and treatment should be sought from your GP or local A&E department.
 
If you are suffering CES, then your clinician should make an urgent referral for further investigations and treatment. 

Can I make a medical negligence claim if there has been a delay in diagnosing and treating Cauda Equina Syndrome?

If you have attended upon a treating clinician displaying symptoms of CES and were not urgently referred to an appropriate clinician or hospital for investigations and treatment, you may be able to make a medical negligence claim for financial compensation.

Our specialist team can offer advice on a no-obligation basis. After having an initial consultation with you, our team will assess whether you may have a potential medical negligence claim.

If you then decide that you would like to proceed with a claim we have a range of funding options available including a No-Win, No-Fee Agreement supported, if appropriate, by legal expenses insurance.

Do not delay – there can be a time limit affecting your right to claim, so contact us now to see if you have a potential medical negligence case.