Understanding Cauda Equina
Cauda equina syndrome happens when the bundle of nerves at the base of the spinal cord becomes compressed. Those nerves play a major role in leg function, bladder and bowel control, and sexual function. Because of this, the condition can cause long-term disability if it is not recognised and treated promptly.
Common symptoms and red flags
Symptoms vary, but clinicians should take specific “red flag” symptoms seriously. These may include:
- Severe lower back pain, often with sciatica
- Numbness or altered sensation in the saddle area (around the inner thighs, genitals, or buttocks)
- Bladder changes, including difficulty starting to urinate, urinary retention, or incontinence
- Bowel changes, including loss of control
- Sexual dysfunction
- Leg weakness, numbness, or altered reflexes, sometimes affecting both legs
What causes cauda equina syndrome?
Cauda equina syndrome can be linked to several underlying issues, including a large slipped disc, spinal injury, infection, inflammation, tumours, or complications following spinal procedures. In rarer situations, it may arise due to a surgical error.
If you are also dealing with related injuries, you may find these pages helpful:
- Spinal injury compensation claims
- Nerve damage compensation claims
- Bowel and bladder damage compensation claims
How cauda equina negligence can happen
A cauda equina negligence claim often involves one or more avoidable failures in care, for example:
Missed warning signs in primary care or A&E
Symptoms can be dismissed as “normal back pain” or sciatica, particularly if the most serious red flags are not explored, recorded, or acted on appropriately.
Delays in investigation and referral
Cauda equina syndrome requires urgent assessment, and imaging such as an MRI is commonly used to confirm compression and guide treatment. Delays in arranging urgent investigations or specialist input can make outcomes worse.
Delays in treatment once diagnosed
Even after cauda equina is suspected or confirmed, delays in appropriate management can have serious consequences.
Post-surgical complications and consent issues
In some cases, cauda equina occurs after surgery or a procedure, and there may be questions around technique, monitoring, or whether risks were explained properly. If you are exploring this angle, you may also want to read about surgical negligence compensation claims.
Misdiagnosis and missed opportunities to act
If earlier symptoms were present but the wrong condition was diagnosed, you may find our medical misdiagnosis compensation claims page useful.
