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Cauda Equine Syndrome Lawsuits
What Is Cauda Equine Syndrome?
Cauda Equine Syndrome is a serious condition that causes a loss of function of the nerve roots in the lumber plexus of the spinal canal. The signs and symptoms of this condition may include:
- Feeling of pins and needles in the groin area and inner thighs (the area that would typically come into contact with the saddle on a horse).
- Severe back pain.
- Loss of bladder control or dysfunction.
- Sciatica-type pain which runs down either or both legs (pain is not necessarily present in all cases).
- Sexual dysfunction.
The name “cauda equine” stands for “horse tail” and comes from a bundle of nerves that branches off of the lower portion of the spinal cord which contains the nerve roots extending from L1-5 and S1-5.
Causes of Cauda Equine Syndrome
Causes of Cauda Equine Syndrome (or, “CES”) include:
- Trauma. Typical forms of trauma include, burst fractures, spinal disc herniation, and spinal anesthesia which would come from catheters and other local anesthetics around the cauda equina. One of the most common causes of CES, however, comes from severe disc herniation injuries in the lower lumber part of the spine.
- Spinal Stenosis. Lumber spinal stenosis causes a narrowing of the spinal canal. In severe cases, this may cause CES.
- Tumors or lesions. Any form of lesion or irregularity in the cauda equina may impact the nerves in this area resulting in CES.
- Infection or inflammation.
- Failure to properly diagnose or treat. As pointed out above, there are several ways in which one can develop CES. If a proper diagnoses is not made or treatment is not given, CES can develop.
In order to prevent CES, early intervention is key. If someone is experiencing signs of bowel or bladder dysfunction and a loss of feeling or “pins and needles” in the groin area, they should report it immediately. Diagnostic testing for CES usually includes the use of MRIs or a Myleogram.
Treatment for CES usually involves surgery to decompress the pressure on the nerves. If a medical provider fails to take action to properly diagnose or treat CES, serious damage can occur. If CES is not treated properly, permanent damage can occur which may include impairment of in bladder or bowel function, or even paralysis.
The prognosis for CES depends on factors such as the severity and length of time that compression on the nerves occurred.
The cost of treatment for CES can be substantial with an average cost of $150,000 for a 4-5 day treatment period in a hospital including surgery.
If you, or a loved one has suffered the effects of Cauda Equine Syndrome either as a result of trauma, misdiagnosis, or a delay in treatment, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries including compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical expenses
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship of a loved one
- Loss or reduction in income or future earning capacity
Hiring a Massachusetts Medical Negligence Attorney
Medical negligence can take many forms and may include:
- Delays in diagnosing medical problems
- Medication mistakes
- Surgical errors
- Misdiagnosis
- Anesthesia complications
- Delays in treating
The Weymouth injury and medical malpractice lawyers at Curran Law Group, P.C. in Weymouth and Braintree represent victims of medical negligence from all over the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including clients in Braintree, Weymouth, Quincy, Dorchester, Milton, Boston, Canton, Brockton, Plymouth, Norwood, Rockland, Abington, Hanson, Whitman, Hanover, Pembroke, Scituate, Hull, Hingham, Cohasset, Norwell, Kingston, Marshfield and else ware. We will begin working on your case immediately and will first begin by gathering all medical documents and records in order to analyze and identify any possible errors or deviations from the standard of care. We will then retain and secure the opinions of any experts we need to prove negligence and will aggressively pursue your claim against any and all responsible parties.
The consultation is always FREE and we do not get paid unless we are successful in recovering compensation on your behalf either through settlement, mediation, arbitration or trial. CALL TODAY 781-331-3811.