Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord that, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, can cause serious brain damage and even death. Meningitis presents in three forms: viral, which typically resolves without significant treatment; fungal, which is very rare (presents generally only in patients with compromised immune systems); and bacterial. Bacterial and fungal meningitis are very dangerous because of their potential to cause severe brain damage.
Symptoms of meningitis in children older than two years include:
- High fever (over 103 degrees)
- Neck pain and stiffness - This can be severe and can manifest itself in an unwillingness to move or bend the neck
- Severe Headaches
- Discomfort looking into bright lights
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Seizures
Younger children may not present with the symptoms described above but may only display lethargy, irritability or vomiting. Other symptoms include high pitched crying, arching of the back, staring, loss of appetite and pale, blotchy skin.
Medical providers, particularly pediatricians, are trained to recognize the signs of meningitis and act quickly to control the damage it causes. Failure to quickly diagnose and treat pediatric meningitis can lead to severe injury. When a trained professional ignores the signs of meningitis and someone is injured as a result, the injured person is entitled to compensation for the cost of treatment, long term care and other harms.
If your child has suffered a severe injury as a result of a health care professional's failure to recognize the signs of meningitis, you should protect your child's legal rights. Call the Erie medical malpractice lawyers at Purchase & George for a free consultation.
