Charleston Brain Infection/Meningitis Attorneys

A brain infection like meningitis is a potentially fatal condition that can lead to seizures, hearing and sight deficits, intellectual disabilities, and more. Brain infections can quickly turn deadly, which makes implementing effective and efficient diagnosis protocols imperative. To survive and avoid serious, lasting consequences, immediate medical attention is required. If you or someone you love has suffered a life-altering brain infection as a result of a doctor or medical facility’s negligence, you’re not alone – an experienced Charleston brain infection/meningitis attorney can help.

Is It Medical Malpractice?

Medical errors happen, and not all of them are considered medical malpractice. Medical professionals and medical facilities owe their patients a serious duty of care that includes employing the same measures that other reasonable practitioners and facilities employ under similar circumstances – as well as refraining from implementing practices that other reasonable professionals and facilities wouldn’t use under similar circumstances.

Common Brain Infections

The two brain infections that are most closely related to medical malpractice include meningitis and encephalitis.

Meningitis

Meningitis refers to an inflammation of the meninges, which are the three layers of membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, as well as the fluid that bathes it – called cerebrospinal fluid. Meningitis can be the result of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, and common symptoms include all the following:

• A high fever
• A headache
• Sensitivity to light
• Pain or stiffness in the neck
• Sleepiness or difficulty waking up
• Nausea

Meningitis can be fatal, and swift treatment is a key component of favorable health outcomes.

Encephalitis

Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain that’s generally caused by a viral infection. The symptoms associated with encephalitis often mimic those associated with the flu, including:

• A high fever
• A headache
• Chills and body aches

As the infection progresses, the patient can experience confusion or agitation, changes in personality, muscle weakness, seizures, double vision, an altered state of consciousness, and hallucinations.

Diagnosing Brain Infections

Because early diagnosis is essential when it comes to effectively treating brain infections, medical professionals need to ask the right questions and implement the available diagnostic tests to help ensure proper and timely treatment. Such tests include:

• Lab tests performed on the patient’s blood, urine, and additional bodily fluids
• A spinal tap is a procedure that collects the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid through a lumbar puncture for testing
• Imaging tests, which include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalograms (EEGs), record the brain’s electrical activity
• A brain biopsy, which is reserved for very serious cases that are very difficult to diagnose and treat and involves removing a small sample of brain tissue to be carefully examined

Reach Out to an Experienced Charleston Brain Infection/Meningitis Attorney Today

The formidable Charleston brain infection/meningitis attorneys at Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC have a wealth of impressive experience skillfully guiding challenging brain infection cases toward advantageous resolutions that support our valued clients’ futures. Learn more by contacting or calling us at 864-400-2545 today.