Ophthalmologist Missed My Meningioma
If an ophthalmologist missed your meningioma, the clinician could be considered negligent. If this has caused you unnecessary pain and suffering, you could be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. Contact us for more information.
Spotting meningioma
An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specialises in eye care. Meningioma is a type of brain tumour that grows on the meninges. They are often benign but if left untreated can lead to sight loss.
Meningiomas will cause symptoms such as headaches, reduced vision, confusion, weakness in one arm or leg, sickness and problems with balance. These symptoms should prompt a referral to an ophthalmologist consultant.
A consultant should then perform a variety of tests to diagnose the problem. Tests that help to uncover meningioma include shining a light in a patient's eye to check if the optic nerve is swollen. An MRI scan and CT scan can also expose the tumour.
An ophthalmologist should be especially wary of meningioma if the patient has previously suffered from the condition. Meningiomas have a tendency to grow back, and because they are very slow-growing they can take several years to materialise.
If a patient who has previously had meningioma presents with the aforementioned symptoms, steps should quickly be taken to check that there is not recurrent meningioma.
Failure to diagnose meningioma
If an ophthalmologist fails to realise that a patient has a meningioma, questions must be raised as to why the condition was missed. If negligent errors are to blame, the patient will be able to make a compensation claim, if he/she wishes.
One possible negligent mistake if that the clinician fails to recognise recurrent meningioma. Any reasonably competent ophthalmologist should be aware that meningiomas have a tendency to re-grow, and that this can happen years after the original treatment.
If a patient presents with symptoms that are consistent with a recurrent tumour yet no action is taken, the standard of care will be considered unacceptable. The same applies if a patient is not regularly reviewed, or if the results of a scan are not followed-up.
It will also be negligent if doctors fail to make a diagnosis in a patient who has not previously undergone meningioma treatment. If the patient has symptoms that are indicative of meningioma, tests should be carried out to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
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