Balance Disorder due to Gentamicin
A persons sense of balance can be severely affected by the inappropriate use of the antibiotic Gentamicin. A patient who receives an excessive amount of this powerful drug may suffer long-term mobility problems due to their balance disorder.
Significant factors in the prescription of gentamicin
Gentamicin is not a drug to be prescribed lightly. Its permanent side-effects can be life-changing and so all relevant factors need to be taken into consideration when prescribing its use.
- The level of dose in relation to the patients weight needs to be carefully assessed
- The duration of dose - this may extend over more than one period of taking the drug and any previous, recent use of the drug by a patient should be taken into account when a new prescription is under consideration
- A patient who has existing problems with their kidneys requires careful assessment before the administration of gentamicin as well as close monitoring of reaction to this powerful drug
The impact of a balance disorder
Whilst useful in the treatment of certain bacterial infections, this strong antibiotic medication can cause a variety of unpleasant, long-term and utterly debilitating effects. These can include the following:
- Dizziness
- Increased chance of falls and mobility accidents
- Requiring a stick in order to remain mobile
- Inability to climb stairs
- Loss of personal independence due to balance problems
Of course, in a broader sense, these problems can also restrict the patients life-style. It can reduce their ability to travel and access work. It can limit their social interactions and adversely affect a sense of well-being.
Gentamicin medical negligence
The inappropriate use of gentamicin can cause additional life-changing effects such as kidney failure and hearing loss.
A failure to assess the suitability of a patient for this drug or to monitor a patients response to the drug maybe considered to have been negligent should the patient develop one of the severe long-term effects such as a debilitating balance disorder.
A failure to warn the patient of certain symptoms such as hearing loss and dizziness and the need to alert medical professionals to the development of these symptoms may also be considered to have been substandard care.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering with significant, long-term effects due to the use of gentamicin when it was not appropriate, you may wish to consider making a claim for compensation.
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