Failure to Diagnose Bacterial Meningitis

Philadelphia and Allentown, Pennsylvania and New Jersey

One of the most common medical malpractice lawsuits brought against pediatricians and emergency room physicians today is failure to detect bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis attacks the central nervous system and progresses quickly. If not detected, it can lead to brain damage, coma, and death. Long-term consequences of bacterial meningitis may include hearing loss, mental difficulties, seizures, and paralysis. Due to these severe consequences, prompt detection and medical treatment are required.

Detecting Bacterial Meningitis

Common symptoms of bacterial meningitis include:

• High fever
• Neck pain and headaches
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion
• Sleepiness

Risk factors for bacterial meningitis should be considered when a patient is complaining about any of these symptoms. Infants and children are at a higher risk due to potential exposure at daycare centers. However, anyone with a combination of these symptoms may be suffering from this dangerous infection.

When these symptoms are present, measures to detect bacterial meningitis should be performed immediately. Detection of bacterial meningitis may require a spinal tap. Emergency room physicians and even your family doctor are readily able to order this test. With spinal fluid, the strain of bacteria responsible for your symptoms can be identified and proper medication can be administered. Bacterial meningitis is easily treatable with a variety of antibiotics, but it must be treated early.

Holding Negligent Doctors Accountable

There is no excuse for a doctor to fail to recognize the symptoms and other indications of bacterial meningitis. While relatively uncommon in the United States, it is your doctor’s responsibility to pursue all possibilities and ensure you are provided with the timely treatment you require.

The experienced medical malpractice attorneys in Philadelphia at Wapner, Newman, Wigrizer, Brecher & Miller are dedicated to helping victims of medical malpractice hold negligent physicians accountable. We can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve to make a full recovery from your injury or illness.

If you or your child has suffered the consequences of undiagnosed bacterial meningitis in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, please contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. Wapner, Newman, Wigrizer, Brecher & Miller serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with offices in Philadelphia, West Conshohocken, Allentown, and Marlton.