What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by either viral or bacterial infection. The viral form is usually less severe and goes away without specific treatment, according the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Bacterial meningitis, in contrast, is potentially deadly, and early treatment is crucial. Bacterial meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics. However, it is critical that treatment be started early.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Symptoms usually come on quickly and may include the following:
- Fever and chills.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Severe headache.
- Stiff neck and unusual posture, with the head and neck arched backwards.
How is meningitis diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals are trained to proceed with the utmost caution when a patient presents themselves with symptoms of meningitis. It is important that medical professionals use all of the diagnostic tools they have available to them, including:
- Spinal tap.
- Blood culture.
- Chest X-Ray.
- CT scan.
What are the dangers of a delayed or missed meningitis diagnosis?
When diagnosed and handled properly, treating meningitis can be as simple as administering antibiotics and monitoring the patient. However, when a meningitis diagnosis is delayed, what was once a simple treatment could quickly turn into a lifelong battle. A delay in treatment can result in bleeding or swelling of the brain and this can potentially result in loss of brain function or other permanent life changing disabilities or even death.
What should I do if I was injured by a delay in diagnosis of meningitis?
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury because of a misdiagnosis, you should begin by insuring that you find a doctor who can properly treat you from that point on. Nothing is more important than your own personal health. Once the health condition at issue is being treated, you should contact the experienced medical malpractice lawyers at Lopez McHugh for a free consultation to understand what legal rights you may have, and how a lawsuit may provide compensation for your medical care and prevent injury to others.
The attorneys at Lopez McHugh have the knowledge and resources to fight for your recovery and protect your financial interests. We have a proven track record of success in handling complex medical malpractice lawsuits and will fight to secure any compensation you may be entitled.
You should contact the lawyers at Lopez McHugh without delay because every state has deadlines for when compensation may be pursued. We will thoroughly investigate your case and advise you of the merits and challenges involved. If we agree to accept your case we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means that we get paid for our services only if there is a recovery by way of settlement or verdict.
