Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) occurs when there is damage or compression to the cauda equina, a bundle of nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord. This nerve compression can impair function in your lower body and result in permanent paralysis. The onset of symptoms of CES requires urgent medical attention because proper diagnosis and immediate treatment are imperative to reduce the chances of severe disability and/or death, making cauda equina misdiagnosis a critical medical mistake.

When CES is correctly diagnosed it can be treated effectively. Oftentimes, however, CES is not properly diagnosed in time, which is a serious medical mistake that can cause physical, emotional and financial suffering for the entirety of the victim’s life. Families of the victim are affected as well because of the severe disability this syndrome causes.

Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Patients who have Cauda Equina Syndrome may exhibit any or all of the following symptoms:

• Loss or impairment of bowel and/or bladder function or control
• Numbness or weakness in the pelvic area, buttocks, genitals, legs, or feet
• Severe pain in the back, buttocks, pelvic area, legs or feet

If your loved one is complaining of these symptoms, it is crucial that you get him or her to an emergency room as soon as possible. You should even ask the treating physician if CES is a possible diagnosis, especially if he or she never even mentions it. If a physician does not order the tests to detect CES, then you may have a medical malpractice case.

Causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome

There are numerous causes to CES, some of which are listed below:

• Inflammatory conditions
• Infectious conditions
• Tumors
• Disc herniation
• Spinal stenosis
• Back fracture
• Gun shot or stab wound

If you have suffered due to medical negligence or malpractice because a serious medical condition was not properly diagnosed in time, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim on your hands.

New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys Michael Weiss and Robert Paarz have dedicated their careers to medical malpractice only and have helped countless families receive the compensation to which they are entitled following a serious medical error.

If you live in New Jersey, Philadelphia or a surrounding area and feel your CES was not caught in time due to a doctor’s negligence, please contact the experienced, compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorneys at Weiss & Paarz P.C. today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation.