Understanding Nerve Damage: A Medical Negligence Solicitor’s Perspective

What Is Nerve Damage?

Nerve damage occurs when nerves are injured, compressed, stretched, inflamed or deprived of blood supply. The impact of the damage depends on the  nerve involved. Sensory nerves carry signals to your brain to help you touch, smell, taste, see and hear, whereas autonomic nerves regulate automatic body functions including blood pressure and bladder function. This means that depending on the nerve that was damaged, there can be a range of symptoms and issues that arise, including balance issues, muscle weakness or bodily dysfunction. As a result, those suffering with nerve damage can require extensive support and assistance for daily tasks.

Common Symptoms of nerve damage

• Numbness or reduced sensation in the impacted area
• Burning, shooting or stabbing pain
• Sensitivity to touch or temperature
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of balance or co-ordination
• Foot drop or gait problems
• Bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction
• Reduced mobility
• Psychological distress

Symptoms may be immediate following  a surgical or medical procedure, or may develop gradually if a condition causing compression or reduced blood flow is not discovered in a timely manner.

Examples where nerve damage may arise

At Blackwater Law, we have seen a variety of scenarios where nerve damage has arisen. Perhaps most frequently we are contacted when irreversible nerve injury has been sustained following a delayed diagnosis, with devastating results including those affected by Cauda Equina syndrome. Often there has been a failure to identify red flag symptoms such as loss of bladder control, or saddle numbness. In these instances the damage is often permanent.

However, nerve damage can also arise from surgical errors where a nerve has been accidentally stretched, cut or compressed during treatment. For example, I obtained a substantial settlement on behalf of my client whose sciatic nerve was severed during hip replacement surgery, resulting in permanent foot drop. Injury may also arise from a poor technique during spinal injections, epidurals or even local anaesthetic administration.

Poor positioning during an extended hospital stay or during a surgical procedure can also lead to nerve damage – in these instances the damage may be temporary or long lasting.

Practical Steps if Negligence Is Suspected

• Seek appropriate medical attention promptly, especially if symptoms are worsening or involve new weakness, loss of sensation, or bladder or bowel changes.
• Keep a clear timeline of appointments, symptoms, treatment and what you were told.
• Try and keep all records of correspondence, discharge summaries and photographs as this could help support your claim.
• Record how the injury affects work, sleep, daily activities and the need for help from others.
• Obtain legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

Conclusion

Nerve damage can range in its severity and in more severe cases it can be life-altering for those who suffer from damage. Some nerve injuries may be down to complications that can occur even when the best possible care has been provided. However, if the damage arises due to a delayed diagnosis, or delayed treatment, or an unreasonable level of care then it may be suitable to pursue a medical negligence claim.