Cauda Equina Syndrome – what you need to know about severe lower back pain

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare condition where the space around the spinal cord at the base of the spine becomes narrowed, often due to a bulging disc.

This is an emergency condition because the longer the nerves are compressed, the more likely it is that they will not recover, leading to permanent paralysis and incontinence.

The name for the condition comes from Latin because the collection of the nerves affected at the end of the spinal cord resemble a horse’s tail.

The “red flag” signs to look for signifying the onset of this condition are: –

• Severe lower back pain.
• Weakness in the legs, usually on both sides.
• “Saddle numbness”, i.e. loss of sensation in the area which would normally be in contact with a saddle when riding a horse.
• Bowel incontinence and difficulty passing urine.

Urgent decompression surgery is, really, the only form of treatment.

If surgery can be performed within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms then a very good, if not complete, recovery can usually be achieved.

Lawyers normally become involved when…

For example, a patient has presented to the GP with the tell-tale signs of cauda equina syndrome but there has been no referral to hospital or if there has been a delay by the hospital Emergency Department in referring the patient to the spinal surgeons.

Cauda equina syndrome can be a life-changing condition. 

The patient may be unable to work, need lifetime care and assistance.

Sometimes relationships break up because of the loss of sexual function.

Awards can therefore be very substantial, often into seven figures.

Your friendly & local Personal Injury Law team offers an initial consultation to hear your story, understand what happened, it’s effect on your life and help determine if you have grounds for a successful claim.

We will take all the financial risk and represent you on a No Win, No Fee basis – so it won’t cost you any money throughout the process of filing your claim, and if you don’t win you won’t owe us a penny.

Speak to a member of our team today on 01623468468 or 0115 910 5555 or use the enquiry form below.