Cauda Equina Syndrome

Jarman v Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust [2021] EWHC 323 (QB)

Although Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is considered to be a relatively rare condition, medical students are warned to watch out for patients presenting with potential CES. Despite that, it is not always diagnosed in time to prevent permanent harm to a patient. Two cases have been reported in the space of three months. The first, decided by the Court of Appeal, was covered in the February 2021 issue of Personal Injury Compensation, and the second, which was heard by the High Court, is discussed here. Although the judge highlighted the need for doctors to identify and deal with suspected CES as a matter of urgency, on the basis of the facts and the expert reports, the claim in this instance was unsuccessful.