Los Angeles Medical Malpractice and Negligence Lawyer

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. Collectively, these membranes are known as the meninges.  Because the meninges are so close to the brain and spinal cord, the situation can become life-threatening when the meninges become inflamed.

Inflammation is typically caused by either a viral or bacterial infection, both of which require prompt medical attention and treatment.  If you think you have meningitis, it’s important to see a doctor right away who can accurately determine whether your meningitis is a bacterial or viral infection, as the treatments differ depending on which type of infection you have.  For example, meningitis caused by a virus cannot be treated.  Most patients recover from this form of meningitis on their own within two weeks.  Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, is a much more aggressive form of meningitis.  Without proper treatment, bacterial meningitis can lead to brain damage, loss of hearing, learning disabilities, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, and even death.

Medical Malpractice & Meningitis

It’s extremely important for doctors to catch, diagnose and treat meningitis as early as possible—especially bacterial meningitis.   If you think you may have meningitis, your doctor should order a lumbar puncture in order to get a concrete diagnosis.  If the results of the lumbar puncture indicate that you have meningitis, your doctor should prescribe you the proper medications and antibiotics.

All of these things—properly diagnosing a patient, ordering a lumbar puncture, and prescribing the right medication—can lead to a full recovery of meningitis.  In fact, when diagnosed and treated properly, a person’s risk of dying from meningitis drops to below 15%.

Contact Los Angeles Medical Malpractice Attorney Bruce G. Fagel

If your doctor failed to diagnose or properly treat meningitis, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit for damages.  Los Angeles medical malpractice and negligence attorney Dr. Bruce G. Fagel can review your medical records to determine if your doctor was negligent in treating your condition, as well as whether or not you have a viable medical malpractice claim. With extensive experience in both law and medicine, Dr. Fagel is more than capable of handling even the most complex cases!

Contact the Law Office of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel today to discuss your case at a free consultation.