Can I Claim Compensation for a Failed Hydrocephalus Shunt?
Failing to recognise that a hydrocephalus shunt has failed or become infected risks causing either the death of the patient or brain damage. Where this failing is due to the negligence of medical professionals, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Hydrocephalus, a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid on the brain, is generally treated by the insertion of a shunt or tube to drain the fluid and relieve pressure on the brain. It is not uncommon for the shunt to fail in some regard, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment to avoid the patient suffering significant, long-term problems.
The most likely and serious problems which a patient with a hydrocephalus shunt might experience are an infection of the shunt or a blockage in the shunt. Both complications can cause severe and long-term symptoms.
A shunt infection
A shunt infection is considered to be a medical emergency and it is crucial that medical professionals recognise and act on the symptoms promptly. A failure to treat a shunt infection can be life-threatening.
The symptoms which might be exhibited by someone with a shunt infection include the following:
- A high temperature
- Nausea
- Headaches
- A stiff neck
- Fatigue
In the context of a patient who is known to have had an shunt inserted, these symptoms should alert the medical practitioner to the need for emergency attention.
A shunt blockage
If the shunt becomes blocked, the cerebrospinal fluid which it is designed to drain will begin to build up again, putting pressure on the brain and putting the patient at risk of brain damage.
Diagnosing shunt problems
The patient is likely to need emergency investigations such as a CT scan or an X-ray to confirm whether or not there is a problem with the functioning of their shunt.
If confirmed, they may need antibiotics as well as emergency surgery to remove the shunt.
A failure by a medical professional to initiate this process, leaving the patient with permanent symptoms may be considered to have been negligent and may well justify a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one have been affected by the failure to recognise that your hydrocephalus shunt has malfunctioned in some way, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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