Undiagnosed Cauda Equina Syndrome causes young woman permanent incontinence
Christina Gardiner has settled the case of a young woman who has lasting neurological complications, chronic pain and incontinence after a GP at Oxford Health NHS Trust failed to detect Cauda Equina Syndrome.
Ellie* was a healthy 15-year-old when she started experiencing severe pain in her lower back and legs. She attended an out-of-hours clinic at Horton General Hospital and told the GP she had pain radiating down her buttocks to her feet and had experienced episodes of urinary incontinence.
The doctor took a urine sample and diagnosed her with a UTI and sent her home with a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics. The Trust admitted that this was a breach of duty, as her symptoms should have been recognised as "red flag" for Cauda Equina Syndrome. The GP should have referred Ellie for an urgent neurosurgical opinion.
Cauda Equina Syndrome occurs when an injury or herniated disk compresses nerve roots at the bottom of the spinal cord. It can cause back pain, weakness and incontinence but quick surgical treatment can prevent permanent complications.
The day after her out-of-hours assessment, Ellie went to her usual GP practice and was referred urgently to Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre for further investigation. An MRI scan showed cauda equina compression at L5/S1 and Ellie was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital for complex spinal surgery.
She did not recover well and continued to suffer from bowel and bladder incontinence, sexual dysfunction, neurological complications and was wheelchair dependent for a time. Ellie's mobility has gradually improved but her ongoing incontinence and neurological complications are permanent.
She also suffered a psychological injury from the events. The now 21-year-old said that dealing with such life-changing injuries as a teenager was extremely traumatic and she still struggles to accept being incontinent.
Accepting liability the Trust said: " Whilst [the out-of-hours GP] did consider the Claimant’s back pain and diagnosed her with concurrent back pain and UTI, it is accepted that the red flag symptoms for Cauda Equina Syndrome were not sufficiently excluded and the Claimant ought to have been referred for an urgent neurosurgical opinion.” The Trust denied that earlier treatment would have made a difference to Ellie's outcome.
Christina successfully resolved the claim and secured a settlement for Ellie that will help to pay for the therapy, specialised equipment and medical treatment that she requires to help restore her independence and quality of life.
Ellie said: "From first contact all the way through to settlement, Christina and the team have been there. We cannot thank Fieldfisher enough for how much they went above and beyond for me and my family. They were not only professional but made me feel cared for and understood what I had gone through. I felt heard, which is very powerful.
"No amount of thanks will add up to what they have done for me and my family. We can look forward to the future all because of Fieldfisher."
* name changed
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For further information about cauda equina syndrome claims or medical negligence claims, please call Christina Gardiner on 03304606746 or email christina.gardiner@fieldfisher.com.
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