Many conditions can be successfully treated as long as they are diagnosed in time. Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is one of those rare conditions. A misdiagnosis of CES can cause serious or permanent complications. It can sometimes include death.
Cauda equina syndrome medical malpractice can have harsh consequences. You should consult a Cauda Equina Syndrome attorney right away if negligence leads to CES.
Lisa S. Levine specializes in medical malpractice claims and cauda equina cases. She can help you figure out whether your case is the result of medical malpractice and negligence.
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda equina syndrome is the result of a herniated disk or spinal rupture. It can also occur after:
- other traumatic back injuries
- lumbar puncture
- spinal tumors
- spinal stenosis
- and surgical complications
It occurs as a result of trauma to a bundle of nerves called the “cauda equina”, located near the bottom of the spinal cord.
CES Symptoms
CES symptoms that you might have are:
- Moderate to severe pain in the back, feet, legs or buttocks area
- Complications with bowel or bladder control
- Weak bowel and bladder function
- Weakness or numbness in the lower extremities
Cauda equina syndrome can have a successful treatment without lasting effects IF they have a timely diagnosis. However, when misdiagnosed or not timely treated, permanent or long-lasting complications may develop such as paralysis. This can be the basis of a medical malpractice case.
Causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome Medical Malpractice
Medical professionals see a large number of patients on a daily basis. This is most true in emergency room settings. They may work long shifts and be short-staffed.
This can result in mistakes and misdiagnosis. But the stressful environment of a medical center is no excuse for an incorrect diagnosis.
Common causes of cauda equina syndrome medical malpractice are:
- Misreading of test results
- Failed to give a standard of care
- Failure to order correct tests and imaging
- Failure to get patient history
- Lack of prompt surgical treatment when needed
- Fail to diagnose partial cauda equina syndrome
- Failure to ask key diagnostic questions related to bladder function, weakness or other cauda equina syndrome symptoms.
Cauda equina syndrome can cause problems very quickly. It can become a medical emergency. Also, it can cause permanent or long-term damage. Medical professionals should know how to properly diagnose cauda equina syndrome.
What happens when CES is Misdiagnosed?
There can be serious consequences to cauda equina misdiagnosis. It is a very treatable syndrome when diagnosed in time. However, delays in treatment and surgical procedures often do cause permanent injury.
The most common complications of cauda equina syndrome that are not treated in time are:
- Impotence
- Incontinence
- Paralysis
These complications can have a very negative impact on a person’s quality of life. It also makes it very hard to do everyday tasks. They may even have to quit their job or get help in living day to day.
It can be very costly to treat and care for the lifelong effects of cauda equina syndrome. You should not have to pay for them when it is the result of medical malpractice and negligence,. An attorney can help you fight for compensation and damages that come from misdiagnosis.
Common Syndromes That Cauda Equina Syndrome Is Misdiagnosed For
Doctors should know to look for the signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome. These are some common syndromes that CES is mistaken for.
- Arachnoiditis – One reason why careful diagnosis of a patient’s back pain is so critical is because it’s possible to have both arachnoiditis and CES. There is mounting medical evidence that suggests nerve damage caused by chronic arachnoiditis may contribute to some forms of CES.
- Sciatica – The causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome are similar to sciatica except that in CES, the compression is being applied to the cauda equina nerves located at the bottom of the spine. It shares some of the same symptoms as sciatica, but there are some big red flags that indicate CES rather than sciatica
- Foot Drop – It is not hard to diagnose foot drop. It is hard to figure out the cause of foot drop. It is important that the doctor figures out the true cause of the patient’s foot drop. Foot drop is usually not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of other medical issues. In some cases, it can even be a sign CES.
- Fibromyalgia
Cauda Equina Syndrome Attorney
Medical costs rise quickly. In addition, the pain and difficulty of living with cauda equina syndrome can be hard on anyone. Recovery should be your main concern.
It should not be current or future bills and expenses. Lisa S. Levine, P.A. is a nationwide Cauda Equina syndrome attorney specializing in CES cases.
She has handled and consulted on more than 100 CES and personal injury 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.
Lisa Levine makes her clients’ health and recovery a priority. She works hard to get the compensation they deserve. Fill out our contact form on our website or call toll free 855-551-8060 for more information. Or schedule a free consultation with Lisa S. Levine.
