Cauda equina syndrome (CES) medical emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent damage. When medical professionals fail to recognize and treat CES promptly, it can lead to severe, life-altering consequences for the patient, potentially qualifying as medical malpractice.
Knowing when a delay in cauda equina syndrome treatment may qualify as medical malpractice is an important part of protecting your legal rights against negligent medical care.
An Overview of Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but serious condition that occurs when excessive pressure is placed on the cauda equina, a bundle of nerves located at the lower end of the spinal cord. This pressure disrupts the normal function of the nerves of the cauda equina, causing pain and interfering with the transmission of neural signals through the lower part of the spine. Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, traumatic injuries, infection or inflammation, and tumors in the spinal canal or surrounding tissues are some of the causes of CES.
Symptoms of CES include:
- Severe lower back pain
- Sciatica
- Numbness
- Tingling or weakness in the legs or feet
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Sexual dysfunction
- Saddle anesthesia — loss of sensation in the buttocks, genital area, and inner thighs
These symptoms can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Not all patients experience all these symptoms; symptoms can get worse over time if the pressure on the nerves is left untreated.
When Does a Delay in Cauda Equina Syndrome Treatment Qualify as Medical Malpractice?
Timely diagnosis and treatment (within 24 hours of diagnosis) are critical to prevent serious neurological complications and ensure better patient outcomes. Because the early symptoms of CES can be similar to other, less critical conditions, doctors need to perform the necessary tests and examinations to confirm that a patient’s symptoms are the result of CES.
Once a diagnosis of CES has been confirmed, immediate surgical intervention is usually required to relieve pressure and prevent further nerve damage. When treatment is delayed because a doctor made an error in diagnosis, and the patient experiences a negative outcome as a result, that doctor may be liable for medical malpractice.
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or other healthcare professional is negligent in providing the accepted level of care to a patient, causing harm to the patient. In the context of CES, medical malpractice commonly occurs when diagnosis or treatment is delayed because of:
Failure to Recognize Symptoms
CES symptoms can be dramatic and escalate quickly. A healthcare provider’s failure to recognize the symptoms as urgent and indicative of CES can be considered negligence. For instance, if a patient presents with the above-mentioned symptoms and is sent home without further investigation or referral to a specialist, this oversight could qualify as malpractice.
Misdiagnosis
In some cases, the symptoms of CES may be attributed to less severe conditions, leading to inappropriate treatment plans. For example, diagnosing a patient with simple sciatica and prescribing physical therapy without conducting MRI scans or further assessments to rule out CES could be viewed as negligent, especially if the patient’s condition worsens as a result.
Undue Treatment Delays
Once CES is suspected or diagnosed, immediate treatment is often required to prevent permanent damage. Surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the nerves must typically occur within 24-48 hours of symptom onset. Delays in arranging these surgical interventions, whether due to hospital protocol issues, lack of urgency from treating physicians, or administrative delays, can all contribute to a malpractice claim. For example, a patient diagnosed with CES who does not receive surgical treatment until four days later, resulting in permanent paralysis, would likely have grounds for a malpractice lawsuit.
Legal Recourse for Victims of CES-Related Medical Malpractice
If you believe you’ve experienced malpractice related to CES, it’s important to take steps to protect your rights to compensation for the losses you’ve suffered or are likely to suffer as a result of the doctor’s misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. As soon as you are able, get in touch with a medical malpractice attorney experienced in handling cauda equina syndrome malpractice cases. You need someone on your side with the expertise to navigate the legal complexities of medical malpractice litigation and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your damages.
When a patient comes to harm as a result of medical malpractice, they are entitled to seek compensation for the losses (damages) caused by the doctor’s negligence. These damages can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In most instances, patients must file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor and their insurance provider to recover these damages.
Why Choose Medical Malpractice Attorney Lisa Levine?
CES is a relatively rare condition; many personal injury attorneys don’t know enough about the condition to provide effective legal representation. Lisa Levine is a Fort Lauderdale-based medical malpractice attorney with extensive experience handling CES-related cases. She has represented clients all over the U.S. who have suffered life-changing outcomes as a result of a misdiagnosis or delayed treatment for CES.
Lisa’s dedication and expertise have yielded big settlements for her clients. This includes a $2.5 million award for a client who went into the hospital for a decompressive laminectomy and sustained an intraoperative injury and a $1.25 million award for a client who suffered permanent injuries when a herniated disc damaged the patient’s cauda equina nerves and physicians caring failed to perform surgery a timely fashion.
Speak With Experienced Cauda Equina Syndrome Attorney Lisa Levine Today
If your life has been negatively impacted by CES that resulted from a doctor’s error, reach out to the law offices of Lisa S. Levine P.A. today. The sooner we get to work on your case, the better your chances of obtaining the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Lisa Levine is based in Fort Lauderdale but represents clients across the U.S. Call (954) 256-1820 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Don’t delay — statutes of limitation apply to medical malpractice cases. If you wait too long to take action, the courts may refuse to hear your case.
