Cauda Equina Syndrome | Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers
The Michigan medical malpractice lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire P.C. frequently represent clients who have suffered spinal cord injuries or nerve injuries. One less common type of spinal cord injury is cauda equina syndrome.
Cauda equina syndrome is a nerve injury that arises in the lower end of the spinal cord. “Cauda equina” is Latin for “horse’s tail” and is named because the cluster of nerves at the end of the spinal cord resembles a horse’s tail. The nerves roots at the end of the spinal cord provide motor and sensory function to the legs, bladder, and bowels. Most simply, cauda equina syndrome is damage to these nerve roots, which is often, but not always, associated with herniated lower lumbar discs and other lower back injuries.
Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency. By the time symptoms develop to the point someone starts to complain, nerve damage has already occurred. Surgery is nearly always needed virtually immediately to avoid greater damage. Many times, people who suffer cauda equina have surgery and recover completely, albeit after a rehabilitation period. However, the consequences can be very severe when there is a misdiagnosis that results in this surgery being delayed. Quite often, the patient is paralyzed from the waist down.
Common symptoms of cauda equina syndrome include:
• Severe pain in lower back, buttocks, pelvic area, thighs, and legs
• Weakness in leg(s)
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Loss of sexual function
If there is any chance a person may be experiencing cauda equina syndrome, that person should seek medical attention immediately. Because the risk of paralysis is significant, the patient must do everything possible to avoid a misdiagnosis.
Sometimes, however, even when a patient fully discloses all symptoms, doctors fail to diagnose cauda equina or they fail to order necessary tests. In these situations, the patient may have a medical malpractice case.
If you would like more information about your rights in a medical malpractice case, you can order our FREE book “The Ultimate Michigan Medical Malpractice Handbook” by clicking on the book title. We will send it out immediately along with other important information.
For more information about Michigan medical malpractice cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com. If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan medical malpractice attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.
Related posts:
- Michigan Child Injury Lawyers | Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers
- Michigan Stroke Treatment Malpractice Lawyers | Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers
- Breast Cancer Malpractice Statistics | Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers
- Pulmonary Embolism Malpractice Lawyers | Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers
- Prostate Cancer Malpractice | Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers
[...] info by unknown « INDIO FESTIVAL AND FAIR ACCIDENT LAWYERS :: Los Angeles Injury … Ruling deals [...]
[...] » Cauda Equina Syndrome | Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawyers … [...]