National law firm Moore Barlow is proud to support the Cauda Equina Champions Charity as they launch the first annual cauda equina syndrome (CES) awareness day.
The awareness day, which will take place on Thursday 1st October 2020, is seeking to educate members of the public on the key signs and symptoms to look out for known as “red flag symptoms”, which could mean you have CES. These are typically:
- Bladder symptoms
- Bowel symptoms
- Severe back pain
- Leg weakness and numbness (bilateral)
- Saddle numbness
- Sexual problems
Failure to spot a “red flag symptom” and get the right treatment (usually within 24-48 hours) may result in the progression of this devastating condition, including chronic pain, loss of bladder control and the need to use a wheelchair.
In light of COVID-19, a number of events and activities in support of the awareness day are being held virtually, including support group meetings and other events. The list of events can be found at: https://twitter.com/caudaequinacesa
Moore Barlow and the team of clinical negligence solicitors has a wealth of experience supporting patients following a CES diagnosis. In August 2019, the firm was appointed to the legal advice panel established by the Cauda Equina Syndrome Association (CESA) to help support their important work for people who have cauda equina syndrome.
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a devastating condition that absolutely needs improved recognition. Misdiagnosis of CES often results from problems with communication between patients and their clinician and that is why we are proud at Moore Barlow to support the launch of this awareness day.
By raising awareness of the “red flag symptoms”, along with emphasising the importance of discussing intimate symptoms with healthcare professionals, we hope that that the number of people suffering with this condition will be significantly reduced in the future.
Maya Sushila, Partner at Moore Barlow
We are launching this national awareness day on October 1st 2020 to help everyone spot the signs with ease and confidence. So many people with CES are turned away, or misdiagnosed but raising awareness of the first signs is absolutely crucial, especially amongst healthcare practitioners.
Claire Thornber, Founder of Cauda Equina Syndrome Association
I was rushed into hospital twice for emergency operations. If I wasn’t diagnosed in time, then Doctors told me I could have spent the rest of my life in a wheelchair – or died. I’ve joined the mission at CECC to ensure that we can build more awareness, save more lives and ensure people have a support group that they can turn to.
Duncan James, Charity Ambassador and member of British boyband ‘Blue’
