A 35-year-old mother from Tucson, Arizona went to the doctor about a strangely runny nose that had been occurring anytime she bent forward for the last several months. As the woman explained, “It wasn’t even dripping; it was pouring out of my nose… forming a puddle. I had no control at all.” When her doctor told her it was simply “allergies,” the mother was not satisfied, still convinced there was more to the problem. She secured a referral to a specialist at the University of Arizona.
Her concerns turned out to be founded – the University of Arizona specialists confirmed that the liquid was actually cerebrospinal fluid, leaking out from cracks in the back of her sinus. If the misdiagnosed condition had been left alone, it would have killed her. This specific type of leak – also called “CSF rhinorrhea” – is rare, but can ultimately lead to meningitis.
Dr. Chiu, chief of the otolaryngology division at University of Arizona, was able to repair the leak with his team of surgeons during a minimally-invasive endoscopic procedure. Thus far, there is no indication that the mother will be pressing charges against the primary doctor, whose negligence could have led to her death if she hadn’t pursued a second opinion.
If you have been injured, or if one of your loved ones has died because of a medical professional’s negligence, please contact The Mayro Law Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Arizona medical malpractice attorney.
