BBK Manifesto: Improve education and awareness about Cauda Equina Syndrome

CES is a spinal surgical emergency that can lead to lower limb paralysis and loss of bowel, bladder and sexual function.

We call for increased training for GPs regarding Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES). This training would enable them to identify and diagnose CES earlier, better support CES patients in accessing appropriate rehabilitation and provide better mental health support.

In 2023, BBK conducted two separate studies on the perceptions of CES and treatment – one seeking the views of medical professionals treating CES, and the other seeking patients’ views.

Our study revealed alarming challenges faced by CES patients when it comes to their care, especially when under the care of GPs. For patients who are not treated in specialised spinal cord injury centres, 65% feel their GPs do not understand or are not supportive of their condition. The responses from that 65% demonstrated there were specific gaps in the following areas:

1. Lack of mobility support: 81% of patients do not feel they have enough support to manage mobility issues.
2. Pain management: 81% of patients feel they lack adequate support for managing pain.
3. Incontinence challenges: 60% of patients struggle to find support for CES-related bladder incontinence, and 47% for bowel incontinence.
4. Sexual health: 60% of patients do not feel they have enough support to manage issues related to their sex life.
5. Mental health: A staggering 85% of the patients do not feel they have enough support to manage their mental health.

Our study also sought the views of medical professionals who treat CES. Their responses highlighted a concerning lack of understanding about the condition within the medical community:

• 50% of GPs felt CES patients are treated with the same levels of empathy as other spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.
• 46% agreed that CES patients have the same access to advice and medical treatment as other SCI patients.
• Only 23% of surveyed professionals indicated almost all their patients were under the care of one of the nine SCI rehabilitation units in the UK.

Our findings show many patients with CES are not receiving the care they desperately need.

Access to proper rehabilitation and care can make the difference between someone returning to work, engaging with family life, and maintaining good mental health. In turn, this enables them to contribute to the economy and society, and reduce healthcare costs in the long-term.

This blog is part of our #ChampioningChange Campaign, specifically, Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP’s 2024 Manifesto for Injured People. In this campaign we call for politicians and candidates to prioritise injured people as they go into the 2024 General Election. This work is informed by our clients’ experiences and our partnerships with charities which support our clients and others like them. If you would like to read more about our full manifesto you can do so here.