Spinal Cord Injury Day: why delays in diagnosis matter

Spinal Cord Injury Day, organised by the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), is observed globally on 5^th September.

The theme for 2025 focuses on fall prevention, recognising that slips, trips, and falls remain one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries worldwide.

Beyond slips, trips and falls: medical negligence and spinal injuries

While falls are a significant risk, particularly among older adults, not all spinal cord injuries happen because of accidents. Many of the clients our medical negligence solicitors support have experienced life-changing injuries caused by underlying medical conditions or by delays and mistakes in treatment.

Our team is currently helping a client claim compensation for a delay in managing an infection in the spine, which led to paralysis.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a rare but serious condition where the bundle of nerves at the base of the spinal cord becomes compressed. Prompt recognition and urgent surgical treatment, usually within 24 – 48 hours of symptoms appearing, can prevent permanent damage.

Some of the red flag symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome include:

• Pain radiating down one or both legs and/or severe lower back pain
• Loss of feeling and/or pins and needles between your thighs or genitals
• Numbness in or around your bottom
• Increasing difficulty when trying to urinate or controlling urination
• Loss of sensation when passing urine or having a bowel movement

Case study | £1m for Cauda Equina delayed diagnosis claim

The cost of delayed diagnosis

If diagnosis or treatment of a spinal injury is delayed, the consequences can be life-changing.

Case study: when warning signs are missed

We recently represented a client who developed Cauda Equina Syndrome after experiencing worsening back pain, numbness, and other neurological symptoms. Despite multiple appointments with GPs and A&E, her condition was not promptly investigated, and surgery to decompress her spine was delayed.

Although our client has made a good recovery, regaining bladder control and returning to most daily activities, she continues to experience numbness and pain that limit her mobility. This case highlights how vital it is to recognise red flag symptoms early and to fully investigate the long-term impact of spinal injuries.

Improvements in diagnosis

Last year, a new pathway became available to help clinicians better diagnose and treat patients suspected of having Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Spinal injuries, whether caused by accidents or by medical negligence, can have devastating physical, emotional and financial impacts. Raising awareness is an important reminder that prevention and timely intervention matter.

Contact our spinal injury solicitors

If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal injury and believes delays or mistakes in medical care may have played a part, we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a confidential discussion about your situation.

Call our specialist team on 0117 325 2929 or fill out our online enquiry form.