Failure To Notice Epidural Mass- Spinal Discs. Synopsis: The plaintiff went to an internist complaining of pain radiating down her legs. The plaintiff claimed that the internist suggested exercises and prescribed Tylenol with codeine, but did not perform any diagnostic tests or studies. The following day, the plaintiff returned to the health care group complaining of increased pain and weakness in her legs. At that time, the plaintiff was seen by a physician’s assistant who allegedly prescribed a muscle relaxant even though the plaintiff had no relief from the Tylenol. The plaintiff claimed that neither diagnostic studies nor neurological evaluation were performed. The next day the plaintiff complained that her legs were giving out from under her. When she was seen by another physician, she had marked decreased range of motions in all parameters. The plaintiff claimed that she was given another muscle relaxant, but did not undergo any diagnostic testing. The following day the plaintiff was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where a CAT scan revealed a large epidural mass at L4-5 in the mid-line. She was immediately transferred to another facility where she underwent a lumbar discectomy and laminectomy. Following surgery, the plaintiff was left with a severe cauda equina. The plaintiff, mother of three, is now a residual paraparetic with sensory motor deficit of the bowel and bladder. She has chronic low extremity pain and has limited ability to mobilize without crutches and is mostly confined to a wheelchair for ambulation.
