Cauda Equina is latin for “horse’s tail” and is a medical term describing the bundle of nerves located at the base of the spine. These nerves, which are responsible for leg, bladder and bowel control, can suffer injury if another body part–typically a herniated disc in the lower spine–presses against them.
Cauda equina syndrome is rare, but a true medical emergency whose symptoms, which include severe lower back pain, bladder and bowel issues, or lost sensation in legs, thighs or butt, should be recognized by a patient’s physician. Cauda equina syndrome also requires immediate care by an experienced surgeon, who can remove the pressure from the compressed nerves.
Negligently performed surgery or delayed diagnosis can greatly increase the risks associated with cauda equina syndrome, and render a patient paraplegic. If you or someone you love has experienced physical harm as the result of inappropriate care of this medical condition, please contact an attorney at Kolsby Gordon today.
