Parasites, fungi, viruses and other organisms invading the body often cause spinal cord and brain injuries. The infection can be categorized as encephalitis, when the brain tissue itself is involved in the infection, or meningitis, when membranes covering the brain form the infection.
Brain infection symptoms vary greatly, and are often dependent on the type of bacteria involved, the individual’s age, the infection location, its type, and level of the disease’s acuteness. Individual older than 24 months suffering from acute infections of the brain often develop a variety of symptoms that include:
- Severe headaches
- High fever
- Stiff neck
- Intense pain when moving the neck or head
- Photophobia (light sensitivity)
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
Newborns and infants suffering an infection of the brain often display symptoms that include irritability, sleepiness, fussiness, poor feeding habits and the inability to find comfort when being held. At later stages of the disease, the young child may develop seizures or neurological abnormalities.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment are Essential
Often times, meningitis is caused by a variety of other medical conditions. Even so, the success of recovering from the infectious condition is often highly dependent on early diagnosis and proper treatment. In many incidences, health care providers will detect infections of the brain through an examination where the doctor looks for specific clinical signs of the condition. This often includes looking for an altered state of consciousness and fever-like symptoms.
Effective tools used for detecting infections of the brain involves an eye exam, looking for main nerve swelling in the eye, along with any subtle change in pupil reaction or eye movement. Confirming an infection of the brain diagnosis usually requires a sampling of spinal fluid through a lumbar puncture or “spinal tap.” Other times, physicians will use MRIs, CT scans or other brain-imaging tests, where a view of the brain is enhanced using special injectable dyes.
To be successful at treating the disease, the infection must be properly diagnosed and adequately treated. Any misstep could cause death to the patient. In many incidences, survivors of the condition are left to deal with lifelong severe neurological disabilities.
Any failure to provide adequate diagnosis and proper treatment could result in a medical malpractice case where even the most minimal standard of care was not provided. Often times, a brain abscess, encephalitis or meningitis will develop causing a severe infection. This can be the result of surgical error, or accident causing trauma to the body.
Treatment for the condition often involves intravenous antibiotics. In addition to managing bacterial infections, steroids are often given as a way to reduce the amount of swelling in the brain.
Finding Legal Remedies After A Loved One Suffers Injury Related To A Brain Infection
Often times, individuals that suffer from these types of infections experience permanent damage requiring extensive medical treatments, surgeries, physical rehabilitation and procedures. Because of that, victims often hire skilled personal injury attorneys that specialize in brain infections to file a claim against all responsible parties. Often times this involves medical malpractice, where the health care provider lacked in their abilities to diagnose and treat the condition in a timely manner.
When medical malpractice occurs, attorneys can usually obtain financial recompense for the injuries or death involved. Seasoned attorneys use proven strategies and tactics to develop a strong claim for compensation to any victim that has suffered meningitis, encephalitis or a brain abscess caused by the negligent actions of others.
Skilled lawyers will often build their case around medical specialists including neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, and other doctors to review medical evidence and provide expert testimony. In addition, the strength of the case is often founded on MRI and CT scan results, laboratory tests and other documentation to determine the nature of the infection. The team of experts can validate whether the infection was diagnosed properly and treated appropriately, in a timely manner.
If you, or your loved one, have suffered injuries caused by an infection of the brain, or have died due to the condition, it is essential to speak with a medical negligence attorney. Jimmie Kang Law Firm offer a free initial consultation. The lawyer can evaluate the merits of the case to determine the best legal process for moving forward to obtain financial recompense. The law firm takes brain infection injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which requires no upfront payment.
Types
- Concussion
- Subdural Hematoma
- Skull Fracture
- Anoxic Brain Injury
- Infection
Causes
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Birth Injuries
- Medical Malpractice
Resources
- Symptoms of Brain Injury
- Impact on Minors
- Brain Injury FAQ’s
- Brain Injury Infographic
