Cauda Equina Syndrome: what is it and what you need to know

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a medical condition that causes severe pain in the lower back and is very serious. It is not widely known about, but if it is not treated quickly and effectively, it can lead to paralysis of the legs, long-term pain, as well as loss of bowel or bladder functions.

Cauda Equine Syndrome mainly affects people aged between 31 and 50. It is estimated that one in five patients who have the condition go on to suffer serious long-term symptoms¹.

In this blog, we look at what causes Cauda Equina Syndrome, what the symptoms are and what the long-term effects can be if it is not treated properly.

What causes Cauda Equina Syndrome?

The syndrome occurs when nerves below the end of the spinal cord, known as the cauda equina (Latin for “horse’s tail”), are damaged as a consequence of a number of factors, not exclusively but most usually:

• Disc herniation
• Spinal stenosis
• Cancer
• Traumatic injury
• Epidural abscess
• Epidural haematoma

The nerves from this part of the spine, the bottom third of the spine from T12/L1 vertebrae to the coccyx, are essential for sending messages to and from your legs, feet and pelvic area, including your pelvic organs.

What are the symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

The onset of symptoms of CES may be rapid or gradual, and can include:

• Severe pain in the lower back
• Sciatic pain radiating down one or both legs
• Numbness around the anus
• Loss of bowel and/or bladder control
• Paralysis of the leg or loss of function
• Motor weakness and sensory deficit in the extremities of the lower limbs
• Reduction/absence of reflexes in lower extremities

If you are suffering any of these, you should seek medical attention straight away.

What are the long-term effects of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Unfortunately, if not treated early, the symptoms in a number of patients, may become permanent. Even with treatment a small percentage will not recover function fully or at all. Occasionally the consequences of not seeking treatment or diagnosis being missed or delayed can result in permanent Bowel or Bladder problems and/or sexual dysfunction.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms then consult your GP. If severe, especially if displaying more than one of those symptoms, you should consider attending your local Accident and Emergency Department as time is, in the case of CES, of the essence.

Patients must be treated quickly to avoid symptoms displayed becoming permanent.

Cases of suspected are usually identified by the non-invasive use of MRI or CT Scan. Treatment is usually surgical, by way of laminectomy or lumbar decompression surgery².

If you believe that you have had Cauda Equina Syndrome and it was either not diagnosed properly or incorrectly treated, then you can read more about making a claim on our dedicated Cauda Equina Syndrome page.

Our team of personal injury and medical negligence specialist solicitors will be able to tell you if you have the basis of a successful claim. All enquiries are made in complete confidence and will be treated with the sensitivity you deserve.

More information on CES is available from the NHS via this link (opens a PDF file).

1. “Assessment and management of cauda equina syndrome.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S246878121830211X#bib11
2. “Lumbar Decompression Surgery.” https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lumbar-decompression-surgery/why-its-done/

Awareness of meningitis vital for parents, university students

The Meningitis Research Foundation recently issued a warning to parents and healthcare professionals about the importance of seeking treatment for meningitis quickly.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. If not treated quickly, it can be life-threatening.

The Meningitis Research Foundation reported that almost half of children who present at hospital with a meningococcal infection, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis, are not admitted to hospital and sent home, only to become rapidly more ill. This detracts parents from seeking further medical advice even though the child is developing a life-threatening illness.

The charity also said that 30 per cent of young babies who are taken to the doctor with bacterial meningitis initially receive inappropriate or inaccurate treatment, which delays parents seeking further advice.

Meningitis symptoms can be very difficult to recognise and can develop in any order. People who develop meningitis often only exhibit non-specific symptoms during the first four to six hours, which is especially true for children.

Individuals may never display the ‘classic’ symptoms of meningitis, and in many cases, meningitis can resemble a cold, the flu or even a hangover. However, it’s a serious infection that can cause life-threatening blood poisoning and leave permanent damage to the brain and nerves.

The Meningitis Research Foundation has recommended strategies around ‘safety netting’ – providing information about meningitis and sepsis to parents and patients if they present at hospital with any meningitis-related symptoms. Parents should also trust their instincts, and not be afraid to seek further medical help if symptoms are getting worse.

Meningitis and university students

Meningitis most commonly affects babies and young children, but the second-most “at risk” group for the disease is teenagers and young adults.

It’s a growing threat for young people starting university. Public Health England has said that the disease has seen a rapid increase in recent years. One factor is when freshers enter into confined environments with close contact in university halls. It’s also often overlooked by young adults since the symptoms can resemble a hangover.

Awareness of the disease is key for young people starting at uni, and many universities are now providing information as part of students’ inductions. Vaccinations are also available from the NHS.

Spotting the symptoms of meningitis

Meningitis is spread by sneezing, coughing, kissing, or sharing utensils. Some people may carry the bacteria but not become ill.

The following symptoms may or may not appear, and they could show up in any order.

• a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it
• high temperature: 38C or above
• lack of energy
• headache
• irritability
• aching muscles and joints
• a stiff neck
• cold hands and feet
• fast breathing
• pale, mottled skin
• confusion
• sensitivity to bright lights
• drowsiness
• fits or seizures

Babies may experience the same symptoms, as well as:

• refusing to eat
• agitation
• uncomfortable when being picked up
• fontanelle, which is a bulging soft spot on their head
• being unresponsive
• floppy or stiff
• high-pitched crying

You can learn more about meningitis from the NHS website.

Browell Smith & Co Solicitors specialise in medical misdiagnosis claims, where illnesses like meningitis are not diagnosed or diagnosed too late. We help secure compensation for people who have suffered unnecessarily or families who have lost a loved one too early. 

Contact us if you or someone you know has experienced a delayed or missed diagnosis. We can arrange a no-obligation appointment at any of our offices in Newcastle, Cramlington, Ashington or Sunderland.

The Foundation for Infant Loss Training provides training to Browells

Newcastle solicitors Browell Smith & Co has taken part in training and accreditation from the Foundation for Infant Loss, which offers education in infant loss and bereavement.

The Foundation for Infant Loss was established a decade ago and works by training professionals in this vital area, but also supports bereaved families following the loss of a baby.

The foundation has provided the clinical negligence team at Browell Smith & Co Solicitors with comprehensive training to help support parents following the loss of an infant. Browell Smith & Co works with many bereaved parents, and requested additional training with the foundation to help maintain a high standard of understanding and care.

Browell Smith & Co is now the only firm that has been trained and accredited by the foundation for infant loss in Newcastle Upon Tyne and Northumberland.

You can find out more about Browell Smith & Co’s medical negligence work here.