Ms S consulted her GP who referred her to a Physiotherapist employed by the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. By the time Ms S saw the Physiotherapist her symptoms had deteriorated and this was communicated to the professional. The symptoms that were described by Miss S clearly represented Red Flag warning signs for Cauda Equina Syndrome. It was evident that Miss S required urgent medical attention but notwithstanding this, the Physiotherapist did not take the most urgent route available to her. Instead she referred Miss S for onward investigation on a routine basis which unfortunately meant that Miss S did not receive a MRI scan until exactly one month later.
By the time Miss S underwent the MRI scan she had progressed from a state of Early Cauda Equina Syndrome (CESE) to Incomplete Cauda Equina Syndrome (CESI) and according to expert medical evidence was heading towards Complete Cauda Equina Syndrome (CESR). The significance of this is that the symptoms are less severe in the earlier stages and the progression could have been avoided had Miss S been referred urgently. Miss S underwent surgery for her condition and sadly was left with permanent and life-changing symptoms.
Miss S was successful in her case and was awarded compensation in the sum of £240,164.92 in this case which settled shortly before the trial was scheduled to commence.
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