Meningitis Delayed Diagnosis
If you or your loved one developed meningitis but doctors failed to provide timely treatment, you could be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.
For more information on meningitis claims, please get in touch with our team of lawyers today.
Causes of meningitis
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the membranes covering the surface of the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis is usually caused by an infection with various bacterial or viral agents. The most common causes of acute bacterial meningitis in adults are Neisseria meningitidis or 'meningococcus', and Streptococcus pneumoniae or 'pneumococcus'.
Subacute or chronic meningitis is more commonly associated with viral and fungal infections, as well as bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, atypicaly TB species and also Listeria.
Preventing meningitis complications
Meninges are protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. When they become infected they become inflamed, damaging the nerves and brain. This can cause long-term complications such as hearing loss, epilepsy, sepsis and death.
To prevent these consequences meningitis must be treated without delay with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. It is vital medical professionals recognise the symptoms of meningitis as this will ensure early treatment. Symptoms include headaches, flu-like symptoms, a stiff neck and a rash.
Treating meningitis
Meningitis is a neurological condition. Although it is usually managed by general physicians, it is an uncommon and potentially life-threatening condition. Therefore specialist advice should be sought urgently from the microbiology and neurology departments.
Any patient suspected of having meningitis should undergo a blood test and a lumbar puncture. A lumbar puncture is used to drain off cerebrospinal fluid which can then be sent for tests. Once this has been completed, the patient should immediately be given antimicrobial therapy.
The results of the blood test and the lumbar puncture will confirm whether meningitis is present. The tests can also be used to differentiate between bacterial, viral, fungal and mycobacterial forms of meningitis. This can help medical practitioners refine the course of treatment required.
Failure to diagnose meningitis
The more prevalent forms of bacterial meningitis are relatively easy to diagnose. In contrast, some forms – such as TB meningitis – can be more difficult to diagnose. This is because the disease is now rare and the symptoms are non-specific.
However, this does not necessarily excuse doctors from failing to diagnose and treat meningitis. Whatever the circumstances, if you or your loved one has been harmed because of delayed meningitis care, you need to talk to a solicitor. This will allow you to establish whether there has been a case of medical negligence.
For expert legal advice, please contact us at Glynns Solicitors.
Free, no obligation enquiry about delayed meningitis diagnosis.
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