Meningitis is inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the brain, usually caused by an infection of the spinal cord fluid and the fluid surrounding the brain. If not caught and treated quickly it can cause brain damage or even death. Long-term consequences of meningitis can include:
- Mental retardation
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
A bacteria or a virus in the spinal fluid or fluid around the brain can cause meningitis, which, in turn can cause swelling of the membrane around the brain and eventually swelling of the brain itself. Two-thirds of meningitis victims are children. Children under two years of age are the most likely to contract meningitis and are the most severely affected. Symptoms of meningitis include:
All ages
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Cold extremities
- Seizures
- Purple spots or rash, very serious – indicates blood poisoning
Babies
- Refusing food
- High pitched crying
- Does not want to be held or handled
- Staring expression
- Neck retraction
- Difficult to wake
Older children and adults
- Severe headaches
- Neck stiffness
- Joint pain
- Drowsiness
- Intolerance of light
- Irritability
- Disorientation and/or confusion
- Numbness
Doctors must always be on the lookout for this dangerous condition that can advance to a harmful level very quickly. There are several factors which commonly contribute to failure to diagnose meningitis including:
- Failure to see the patient when requested
- Failure to examine the patient appropriately
- Failure to act with the necessary degree of urgency
- Sending patient home instead of admitting to the hospital
- Failure to consult with specialists
- Failure to follow-up with patient and/or guardian
- Failure to communicate with patient and/or guardian
Early detection and aggressive treatment are vital to prevent long-term damage and death from meningitis. Any time parents notice symptoms of this dangerous condition they should contact a doctor or take their child to the emergency room immediately. Doctors must respond quickly. Failure to diagnose meningitis can be catastrophic.
If you or a loved one has been affected by failure to diagnose meningitis, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney today.
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