What is a cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina (Latin for horse tail) refers to the bundle of key nerves located at the lower end of the spinal cord. Compression, trauma or other damage to this area of the spinal canal can result in cauda equina syndrome (CES).

Symptoms can include, severe lower back pain, muscle weakness in one or both legs or feet affecting your ability to walk, loss of feeling around the saddle area of your back and impaired bladder, bowel and sexual function.

CES requires an immediate investigation and possible surgical investigation.

What could lead to a cauda equina syndrome claim?

In most patients, an early diagnosis and early surgical intervention is vital for a positive outcome, so medical professionals are trained to identify symptoms of CES and these shouldn’t be ignored.

Our cauda equina syndrome solicitors have dealt with many cases of CES where patients have suffered negligence, such as:

• Where a GP or A&E doctor did not recognise the signs
• Where the patient showing symptoms were not sent for the correct tests
• Where the patient was not referred to a surgeon in time

What conditions can result from cauda equina syndrome if medical professionals are negligent?

Ideally, surgical intervention should be performed within 12 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms to provide the maximum potential improvement of motor and sensory dysfunction.

However, if there are delays, it can result in long-term, or even permanent, conditions for the patient. Such conditions include:

• Neurological damage
• Severe pain
• Loss of feeling in the legs and feet
• Mobility problems
• Irreversible bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction

Can I make a cauda equina syndrome claim?

Suffering from cauda equina syndrome can have a substantial impact on your quality of life, and if your condition has been made worse due to a medical professional’s negligence, you could be entitled to make a claim for cauda equina compensation.

We understand that the legal process can seem daunting, which is why our friendly, expert cauda equina solicitors are here to provide the support you need from day one. We’re empathetic and compassionate in our approach and work tirelessly to ensure making a claim is as stress-free and as quick as possible.

When you reach out to our team, we’ll take a full account of what has happened to you and let you know if we think you have a claim to make. If so, we’ll talk you through the process, explaining clearly what will happen at each stage. We’ll help you collect the evidence you need to pursue your cauda equina claim and can also help you access any treatment or rehabilitation you may require.

To start your cauda equina claim, speak to a member of our team on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online and we’ll arrange a time that works best for you.

Why should I choose Slater and Gordon’s cauda equina solicitors?

We firmly believe that no one should have to suffer because of medical negligence. Our industry-learning cauda equina solicitors are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients, helping to provide a better quality of life and providing them with the financial assistance they need.

We’re proud to have one of the best medical negligence teams in the country, and we’re consistently ranked highly in independent legal directories such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500.

Crucially, our solicitors know the importance of supporting you and your family through this most difficult time. We’ll be sensitive to your needs, compassionate in understanding the challenges you face and dedicated to fighting your case.

As well as lawyers who are experts in the field of medical negligence, we also have trained nurses and medical professionals on our team. We also offer home and hospital visits and provide immediate representation and rehabilitation support.