Cauda Equina Syndrome in Michigan Car Accidents

There are many injuries and conditions that can result from a car accident, one of the less commonly known conditions is cauda equina syndrome. This potentially devastating disease affects the neurological system and can be caused by auto accident trauma.

What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition that affects a certain section of the nerve roots, which are nerves that branch away from the spinal cord. The nerve roots in the area near the lower back are collectively called the cauda equina.

In a normal person, these nerves submit information to certain body parts, giving them the signals to move, exhibit reflexes and feel certain sensations. The nerves in the lower area of the back will send this information to the legs and pelvic area. However, if an unusual amount of inflammation or pressure is applied to these nerves, it can result in pain, problems with reflexes and a decreased level of sensation.

Cauda equina syndrome occurs when an extreme amount of pressure is put on the cauda equina, which it can lead to serious, life-altering symptoms in an affected individual.

What Are the Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

The most common symptoms of cauda equina syndrome include extreme pain in the lower back, urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, constipation, difficulty urinating, muscle weakness in the legs, loss of sensation in the legs, numbness in the groin, a loss of muscle reflexes in the legs, and a sudden onset of sexual dysfunction.

Many of these symptoms can be alarming and severe. They can be even more troubling if the patient is having a hard time getting the right diagnosis, which can sometimes happen with this disorder.

How Can a Motor Vehicle Accident Cause Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Auto accidents can lead to cauda equina syndrome by causing a number of traumatic injuries to the area where the cauda equina is located. If the car accident results in a spinal fracture or dislocation, this can directly compress the cauda equina. An epidural hematoma, or a collection of blood in the area may also cause damage to that section of the spine. If anything penetrates the lower spinal area during an accident, the cauda equina can also be severely affected.

Victims of motor vehicle accidents who are exhibiting symptoms of cauda equina should seek out emergency care as soon as they suspect that something is wrong. Medical professionals consider cauda equina to be a surgical emergency, so the faster patients can receive care the better chance they will have at recovering.

How is Cauda Equina Syndrome Treated?

Doctors may use a number of approaches to treat cauda equina syndrome, depending on the cause and severity of a specific case. Often in cases that are caused by a traumatic incident like an automobile accident, surgery is required to relieve the pressure that is being exerted on the cauda equina. It is best if this surgery is performed within 48 hours of the patient’s initial onset of symptoms. The earlier the disorder is diagnosed and surgery is performed, the better the outlook will be for a patient.

Although some people may experience a significant or full recovery after surgery, other patients may have sustained permanent nerve damage and will continue to suffer from symptoms even after the pressure on the cauda equina has been relieved. Rather than counting on a cure, these individuals will have to manage their condition over their lifetimes.

How Is the Condition Managed?

Depending on the severity of the symptoms that persist after surgery and treatment, many people who suffered from cauda equina syndrome after a car accident will need a lifetime of care and possibly ongoing assistance. Many of these symptoms can severely impact patients’ day-to-day lives, particularly if they are used to leading active lifestyles or if their job was physically demanding.

Some patients will have lower back pain and other types of pain that will need to be managed, while others will require physical therapy to help them recover or improve the range of their movements. Because sexual dysfunction can be a major part of living with cauda equina syndrome, regular consultations with a sex therapist may be required.

In addition to struggling with certain movements, they may need to use a catheter, suppositories and enemas to alleviate bladder and bowel dysfunction. A continence advisor may be necessary to help patients develop the appropriate strategies for clearing their bladders and bowels.

Because the combination of symptoms and the lifelong outlook can be devastating for a person, counseling or some form of psychiatric help may also be recommended.

Where Can I Find Support?

Unfortunately, there aren’t many support groups or organizations dedicated to helping people with cauda equina syndrome. One of the few that exists is the Cauda Equina Syndrome Resource Center, which is an international, internet-based support group comprised of people around the world who are suffering from the condition. The organization seeks to provide helpful information and resources, personal stories of people afflicted with cauda equina syndrome, and overall increased awareness about the condition.

What Other Actions Can I Take?

If you or a family member developed cauda equina syndrome following an automobile accident, it can be devastating to know that the condition may have been completely preventable, particularly if the other driver was at fault. Cauda equina syndrome may result in permanent disabilities, which means that lifelong care is often required and the victim’s quality of life has been severely affected.

For these reasons, it’s important to contact a car accident lawyer who can look closely at your specific case, explain what your rights are and determine if you’re eligible to receive benefits or compensation for your injuries. Our offices are dedicated to helping the victims and family members of victims who have been involved in automobile accidents. Call our offices today to see how we can help you get what you absolutely deserve.

CALL US NOW

1-800-708-5433

The Law Offices of Jason A. Waechter

No-Win No-Fee FREE Advice

Get Started NOW - Call us at 1-800-708-5433

Talk with the owner of the firm, Jason A. Waechter

If you were recently involved in an auto accident resulting in injury or fatality, calling us is best: 1-800-708-5433 or simply fill out the short form below or on the right.