Storm Keating diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome

Ronan Keating’s wife, Storm Keating, has recently undergone emergency spinal surgery at Cromwell Hospital after being diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome.

On social media, Storm revealed how she had initially been rushed to hospital for a prolapsed disc which required surgical intervention. However, at hospital matters escalated and she was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome. 

Storm called the incident "the most frightening week of my life".  She went on to say “If it wasn’t for Dr Aftab and his acute diligence, care, attentiveness and skills, I would not be walking out of this hospital with the prospects of leading the normal life I had always envisioned I would.”

Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition which causes the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord to become compressed. This can lead to permanent loss of sensation, incontinence and paralysis if not treated urgently.

Symptoms (also known as “red flags”) of cauda equina syndrome include:

• Severe low back pain
• Motor weakness, sensory loss, or pain in one or both legs
• Saddle anaesthesia
• Bladder dysfunction such as urinary retention or incontinence
• Bowel incontinence
• Sensory abnormalities in the bladder or rectum
• Sexual dysfunction
• Loss of lower body reflexes

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare emergency which can have devastating and life changing consequences. It is essential to seek urgent medical advice immediately upon the occurrence of red flag symptoms.

Early recognition and medical intervention are crucial. This is because emergency treatment, which usually includes surgical intervention within 48 hours after the onset of cauda equina syndrome, provides a significant advantage to the overall outcome.

Failure to treat cauda equina syndrome promptly can lead to the bladder and bowel becoming permanently damaged which can result in life changing consequences. Therefore, it is crucial that medical advice is sought immediately upon the occurrence of red flag symptoms, and thereafter doctors and clinicians can take the appropriate steps promptly in order to diagnose and treat the condition.

Sadly, there are instances where individuals have suffered a delay in diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome due to failures by GPs and clinicians.

The medical negligence team at Bell Lax Solicitors have a wealth of experience in investigating cauda equina syndrome claims arising from failures by GPs to make urgent referrals to hospital for further investigations, resulting in a delay in diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome. Other failures include misdiagnosis of cauda equina syndrome and surgery not being performed to a reasonable standard.

If you, or a loved one have been affected by cauda equina syndrome and are concerned about the treatment you have received, please contact us and speak to one our friendly medical negligence solicitors for a free no obligation discussion on 0121 355 0011.