Denver Brain Infection Lawyers
Legal Representation for Those Suffering From Meningitis or Encephalitis
If meningitis and encephalitis aren’t detected early, they can have serious lifelong medical consequences. It’s crucial to be treated by a doctor who recognizes the early symptoms of meningitis and encephalitis. The right medical team will perform the correct tests and accurately diagnose these potentially devastating diseases so they can be successfully treated in time to stave off disaster.
If you or a loved one were given the wrong diagnosis for a brain infection, contact the Denver medical malpractice attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. by calling (303) 759-9945.
What Is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection that leads to inflammation of the meninges, the three layers of membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. This infection may be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus. Meningitis often spreads in hospitals that fail to follow basic patient safety protocol, such as washing hands, cleaning equipment, and properly quarantining patients.
Symptoms of meningitis include:
- Severe headache
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Fever
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty waking up
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
Diagnosing Meningitis
If a doctor suspects meningitis, they may perform a series of physical tests to diagnose the disease. Blood work and CT scans are also used to diagnose meningitis. The most reliable way to tell if someone has meningitis is by administering a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. In this procedure cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is withdrawn from the lower spine and sent to the lab for analysis.
In babies, meningitis often causes irritability, sleepiness, fussiness, poor feeding, and discomfort when they are being held.
The Consequences of Untreated Meningitis
When detected early, meningitis can often be treated effectively using a combination of intravenous antibiotics and steroids. In some case, surgery is required to treat the disease.
Doctors in hospitals and emergency rooms may fail to detect meningitis in time to provide the necessary treatment, often mistaking it for another type of virus such as the flu. When it isn’t properly diagnosed and effective treated in time, meningitis may cause lifelong neurological abnormalities and other health issues, including:
- Seizures
- Blindness
- Brain damage
- Kidney failure
- Speech problems
- Hearing impairment
- Learning disabilities
- Nervous system problems
- Death
What Is Encephalitis?
Encephalitis is inflammation of the active tissues of the brain caused by a viral infection or autoimmune response. The condition may affect patients of all ages, but it is more common in young children, older adults, and patients who have a weakened immune system.
Encephalitis often causes flu-like symptoms, making it difficult to detect. Signs of encephalitis include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Headache
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Neck stiffness
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sound
- Altered consciousness
- Lethargy and sleepiness
- Anxiety or irritability
- Loss of consciousness
- Personality changes
- Muscle weakness
- Hallucinations
- Double vision
Diagnosing Encephalitis
If a doctor suspects encephalitis, they may ask the patient where they have travelled recently because the disease can be caused by mosquito bites, tick bites, or rabies that are common in certain regions.
Tests used to diagnose encephalitis may include:
- An eye examination
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- CT scan or MRI
- Lumbar puncture
Medical Consequences of Encephalitis
Rest, anti-viral medication, and other remedies may be used to treat encephalitis. People who are diagnosed with severe encephalitis will experience complications that may include:
- Hearing Problems
- Vision problems
- Weakness and fatigue
- Intellectual disability
- Difficulty speaking
- Breathing problems
- Behavior changes
- Memory loss
- Epilepsy
- Coma
- Death
We Take on the Most Difficult Denver Malpractice Cases
An improperly diagnosed brain infection can lead to a lifetime of costly medical treatment. If you or a loved one is suffering from the devastating effects of meningitis or encephalitis, you may be able to receive compensation to cover the cost of your medical care and other expenses caused by the disease.
At Levanthal Puga Braley P.C., we take on the most difficult Colorado medical malpractice cases. Call (303) 759-9945 today to learn more today. There is no charge for an initial consultation. We are on your side.
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