Meningitis - Delay in Diagnosis and the Potentially Fatal Consequences
Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal column called the meninges. It is caused by a bacteria or virus penetrating the lining of the brain. The bacteria or virus can come from any one of hundreds of possible sources. The two most common types of meningitis are meningococcal and pneumococcal.
The consequences of meningitis can be fatal. Where meningitis is suspected immediate medical treatment should be sought from a GP or hospital. The three most critical signs suggestive of the early on set of meningitis are a high fever/ temperature, neck stiffness and altered mental state which results in a patient being confused and disorientated. Other symptoms may also include photophobia (pain when looking at bright light), intense headache, vomiting, limb or joint pain and a rash. In the later stages of the development of meningitis more severe symptoms may be present including blurred vision, loss of hearing, seizures and loss of consciousness.
If meningitis is suspected, a doctor will arrange a CT scan of the brain or, if the patient is stable undertake a lumbar puncture test. A lumbar puncture test involves taking a sample of fluid from the spine called cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The CSF fluid is examined by a microbiologist or Consultant in infectious disease to see if it reveals the bacteria or virus cells associated with meningitis. The patient will then be started on intravenous antibiotics which will kill the bacteria cells.
Meningitis infection can develop very rapidly. It is crucial that antibiotics are started as soon as possible to give the patient the best possible chance of full recovery. Antibiotics work by killing the bacteria affecting the meninges and reducing the oedema (swelling) and inflammation which causes pressure on the brain. A delay of even a few hours in starting antibiotics to treat the infection can be critical and sometimes even fatal. As meningitis infection the brain, it can cause severe neurological disability. Meningitis often causes a raise in intra-cranial pressure. The following disabilities can result from meningitis:
- hearing loss
- blindness
- loss of bladder or bowel function
- loss of motor function of lower limbs
- seizures
- neuromotor disability
- epilepsy
- learning difficulty
The disability may be permanent, reversible or permanent. Unfortunately in 20% of cases of pneumoccocal meningitis even with antibiotic treatment the condition will be fatal.
Medical research has looked at the factors that determine how well a patient will recover from meningitis. Important factors have shown that have shown to lead to a poorer prognosis for the patient are the patients young or old age, the presence of a rash, a low glasgow coma score indicating lack of response and a low white cell count in the CSF. However, the biggest factor impacting upon a good recovery is the patients neurological clinical condition at the time antibiotic treatment starts. A delay in starting antibiotic therapy will in most cases cause further progression of the infection and an increase in the likelihood in the patient suffering permanent neurological symptoms or in severe cases death.
A delay in treating or diagnosing meningitis may give rise to a claim for clinical negligence. Head injury UK have solicitors experienced in investigating meningitis treatment.
are specialist solicitors who investigate claims for compensation arising from traumatic brain injuries. Contact us to speak to a solicitor for a free, confidential enquiry.
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