Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a rare condition affecting the human lumbar system when the bundle of nerves located at the bottom of the spinal cord (called the Cauda Equina) become compressed. The compression of the nerves can be caused by several factors, including violent back injuries, birth abnormalities, post-operative spinal surgery complications and spinal anesthesia.

Complications of the compressed nerves can be severe and affect motor sensory function to the legs and bladder. This can lead to several issues, including:

Severe low back pain
Urinary incontinence
Loss of bowel control
Loss of sensation in the legs, hands, or feet
Weakness or numbness in one or both legs
Sexual dysfunction
Permanent paralysis

While CES occurs mainly in adults, it can affect people of all ages and is not related to gender or race. In the U.S., it is estimated that 1-3% of patients who have undergone or are undergoing lumbar surgery are due to complications of CES. Other studies estimate that CES occurs in one out of every 33,000 individuals to one out of every 100,000.

Diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome should be considered a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical decompression of the nerve tissue. Because it is often initially misdiagnosed, patients can face severe consequences if not immediately treated and suffer long-term effects and permanent disabilities. If treated properly, these consequences can be minimized, making it imperative that physicians respond appropriately when presented with this issue.

People who are suffering from CES due to medical malpractice should contact a Cauda Equina attorney who is experienced in these types of cases. An attorney will be able to help the patient show one or more of the following in a typical claim:

Failure to recognize the worsening condition of the patient
Failure to have proper diagnostic tests done
Failure to recognize certain symptoms as possible indications of CES
Failure to complete and document a thorough patient evaluation
Failure to monitor a patient’s progress
Failure to diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome in a timely manner
Failure to treat Cauda Equina Syndrome in a timely manner

In addition, insurance companies often underestimate the amount of time, financial support, and ongoing medical care needed for those suffering as a result of CES or the appropriate care needed to treat CES.

Lisa S. Levine, P.A., is a specialized Cauda Equina Medical Malpractice Attorney who will be your advocate as you proactively seek out just compensation for your suffering. She has handled and consulted on more than 60 cases across the U.S., including in New Jersey, Utah, California, Wisconsin, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, New York and Texas. In Florida, she has helped CES patients throughout the state, including in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Ocala.

Call her today at (954) 256-1820 to schedule a free consultation for CES claims across Broward County, including Weston, Ft. Lauderdale, Sunrise, Pembroke Pines and other surrounding areas. Lisa handles all medical malpractice cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay for her services until and unless you’ve won your case.

Sources:
Medscape:
Neurosurgery for Cauda Equina Syndrome; emedicine.medscape.com/article/249203-overview

National Center for Biotechnology Information: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3082683/

American Association of Neurological Surgeons:
/www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Cauda-Equina-Syndrome