Misdiagnosis of Meningitis and Septicaemia
Meningitis and septicaemia are life-threatening diseases and misdiagnosis of either can have serious consequences. Knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and acting quickly to get medical help, can save lives. Early diagnosis significantly improves the effectiveness of the treatment for these illnesses. However we regularly read in the media about delays in the diagnosis of meningitis or septicaemia by GPs or hospital accident and emergency doctors.
At Bond Pearce we are experienced in dealing with cases of misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis of meningitis and septicaemia. The effects of a misdiagnosis or delay in the diagnosis can be far reaching. Most people who get meningitis and septicaemia survive, often without any after effects, but sometimes these diseases cause a range of disabilities and problems that can alter people's lives. After effects may be temporary or permanent, physical or emotional. Our cases involve injuries as a result of misdiagnosis of meningitis and septicaemia such as:
- Memory loss/difficulty retaining information/lack of concentration
- Clumsiness/co-ordination problems
- Residual headaches
- Deafness/hearing problems/tinnitus/dizziness, loss of balance
- Learning difficulties (ranging from temporary learning deficiencies to long term mental impairment)
- Epilepsy/seizures (fits)
- Weakness, paralysis or spasms of part of body (if permanent, sometimes called cerebral palsy)
- Speech problems
- Loss of sight/changes in sight
- Arthritis/stiffness in joints
- Scarring/skin damage
- Amputations - for example, fingers, toes, arms or legs
- Kidney damage
- Lung damage
