Meningitis is a condition that inflames the fluids and membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord. It is a serious medical condition that can quickly become deadly if left untreated. In some cases, there may be a delay in diagnosing the condition, which can cause further complications.
At Marzella & Associates, our medical malpractice lawyers have been helping meningitis victims recover the compensation they desperately need and deserve for over 30 years. Let us use our experience and knowledge to help you.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a condition that results in inflammation of the meninges, or the protective layers that surround the brain and spinal cord. Besides protecting the spinal cord, the meninges absorb shock to the central nervous system. The source of meningitis may be viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. Although many cases of meningitis are viral, about one in every 100,000 cases are bacterial, impacting approximately 300,000 people each year, with fungal and parasitic infections being the rarest. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for an individual to recover fully.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of meningitis may include:
- Neck stiffness
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- High fever
- Headache
- Altered mental state or confusion
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Balance issues
- Fatigue or extreme sleepiness
- Petechiae: Small, round spots that look like a rash
Diagnosis and Treatment of Meningitis
There are various ways to contract meningitis, but the most common are through a contagious illness, swimming in contaminated water, or a head injury. Although a physical exam may signify that an individual likely has meningitis, a nasal or throat swab, lumbar puncture, or blood test must be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treating meningitis will depend on the source of your infection, but may involve antibiotics (for bacterial meningitis), rest, fluids, and pain relievers. In cases of viral meningitis, the infection may go away. Even if your symptoms are mild, hospitalization is often necessary so that the patient can be monitored closely.
Aggressive Representation Against a Destructive Disease
Since meningitis may present with similar symptoms to other diseases, it is not uncommon for healthcare professionals to misdiagnose the condition. If you contracted meningitis and your physician failed to diagnose you promptly, you may be entitled to compensation. If you or a loved one experienced a seizure, stroke, or permanent brain damage because of a misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis, our legal team is ready to fight for you.
For over three decades, the medical malpractice attorneys at Marzella & Associates have helped injured parties and their families recoup the compensation due to them due to a healthcare provider’s error. We will review your medical records, physician’s notes, and laboratory tests to determine if your physician committed malpractice.
Contract Meningitis? Speak with Our Harrisburg Meningitis Lawyers Today
Meningitis is a serious illness that impacts hundreds of thousands of people annually. At Marzella & Associates, we have seen the devastation that meningitis can cause in a family. If you or a family member were diagnosed with meningitis resulting in a permanent disability, our Harrisburg meningitis attorneys would like to speak with you. To arrange your free consultation or to learn more, contact us online or by phone today.