Meningitis: Could it Have Been Avoided?
June 4, 2012 By The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC
Meningitis is an extremely serious illness that can result in devastating consequences. Due to the severity of this illness, it is imperative that doctors make every effort to correctly diagnose and treat this infection. When they do not, it could turn into a medical malpractice case.
There are several different types of meningitis which can be caused by various causes. Some of the causes include chemicals, fungus, tumors, allergies to drugs, or cancer. Some types of meningitis are viral and victims are able to recover without any treatment. Bacterial meningitis needs immediate attention and can result in brain damage and death. However, it does not occur as frequently as bacterial meningitis.
If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from meningitis, there are some symptoms to be on the lookout for. Fever, nausea, stiff neck, light sensitivity, headaches, agitation, and decreased consciousness can all point to this infection. As it is difficult to tell the difference between the serious bacterial infection and the less serious viral infection, it is best to go to the doctor as soon as possible.
When an individual seeks medical attention regarding a suspected case of meningitis, there are several types of tests which the medical professional can perform. A spinal tap can be administered in order to analyze the spinal fluid. Other tests which could show whether the individual is suffering from meningitis include: chest x-rays, CT scans, and blood cultures.
If the doctor fails to administer the proper test or does not analyze the results of the test, any negative consequences could be their responsibility. The treatment for bacterial meningitis is antibiotics, but this is not as effective for viral meningitis. If this does not work, other medications or intravenous fluids could be used to treat the symptoms as the complications can be just as severe as the illness itself.
What are the complications which can result from meningitis? Even if the victim recovers from the infection, they may be left with permanent side effects from the illness. For example, the patient can be left dealing with hearing loss, vision loss, brain damage, memory problems, and paralysis for the rest of their life. They could also be left dealing with kidney failure and adrenal gland failure as a side effect.
In order to prevent this devastating disease from affecting you, there are some steps which you can take in order to protect yourself. As the disease is caused by bacteria and viruses, being consistent about hygiene and washing hands frequently can protect you and stop it from spreading. Ensuring that your immune system is strong by eating healthy, resting, and exercising can also help you fight off this illness.
However, even if you follow all of these steps, if the doctor treats you with negligence, you could still be left dealing with these side effects. Doctors have the responsibility to do everything in their power to protect their patients and they should be held responsible for their negligence if they fall below the accepted standard of care.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein
If you were the victim of medical malpractice, you should contact the Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein as soon as possible. They have over 60 years of experience in this area of law and understand how best to defend you. Their team has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for their clients and could do the same for you. You should not have to suffer because of a doctor’s negligence and failure to look out for your best interests. Please visit their website or contact their office for a free case evaluation today!
Copyright The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC
More information about The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from meningitis, there are some symptoms to be on the lookout for. Fever, nausea, stiff neck, light sensitivity, headaches, agitation, and decreased consciousness can all point to this infection. As it is difficult to tell the difference between the serious bacterial infection and the less serious viral infection, it is best to go to the doctor as soon as possible.
When an individual seeks medical attention regarding a suspected case of meningitis, there are several types of tests which the medical professional can perform. A spinal tap can be administered in order to analyze the spinal fluid. Other tests which could show whether the individual is suffering from meningitis include: chest x-rays, CT scans, and blood cultures.
If the doctor fails to administer the proper test or does not analyze the results of the test, any negative consequences could be their responsibility. The treatment for bacterial meningitis is antibiotics, but this is not as effective for viral meningitis. If this does not work, other medications or intravenous fluids could be used to treat the symptoms as the complications can be just as severe as the illness itself.
What are the complications which can result from meningitis? Even if the victim recovers from the infection, they may be left with permanent side effects from the illness. For example, the patient can be left dealing with hearing loss, vision loss, brain damage, memory problems, and paralysis for the rest of their life. They could also be left dealing with kidney failure and adrenal gland failure as a side effect.
In order to prevent this devastating disease from affecting you, there are some steps which you can take in order to protect yourself. As the disease is caused by bacteria and viruses, being consistent about hygiene and washing hands frequently can protect you and stop it from spreading. Ensuring that your immune system is strong by eating healthy, resting, and exercising can also help you fight off this illness.
However, even if you follow all of these steps, if the doctor treats you with negligence, you could still be left dealing with these side effects. Doctors have the responsibility to do everything in their power to protect their patients and they should be held responsible for their negligence if they fall below the accepted standard of care.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein
If you were the victim of medical malpractice, you should contact the Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein as soon as possible. They have over 60 years of experience in this area of law and understand how best to defend you. Their team has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for their clients and could do the same for you. You should not have to suffer because of a doctor’s negligence and failure to look out for your best interests. Please visit their website or contact their office for a free case evaluation today!
Copyright The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC
More information about The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC
View all articles published by The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
