Compensation for Misdiagnosis of Hydrocephalus Symptoms
It is essential that the onset of hydrocephalus in adults is suspected and diagnosed at an early stage in order to avoid long-term disability. A failure to recognise and act on the possible symptoms can lead to a misdiagnosis and poor long-term prognosis.
Diagnosing hydrocephalus
Possible symptoms of hydrocephalus should prompt a referral for further investigation.
A failure to recognise the possible significance of the symptoms and a misdiagnosis may mean that the patient is sent home with a condition which can cause brain injury and permanent disability if not treated as a matter of urgency.
A patient who is suspected of showing symptoms of hydrocephalus requires a referral for a CT scan or an MRI scan to assess the underlying cause of their symptoms. The patient may also require a lumbar puncture to check the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a condition where CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) which surrounds and protects the brain builds up, ultimately threatening to put excess pressure on the brain.
Symptoms which might suggest that the patient is developing hydrocephalus and should be referred for further investigation could include the following:
- Headaches
- Problems with vision
- Weakness in the legs
- Changes in mood
- Feeling sick
Hydrocephalus is usually treated with the insertion of a shunt into the region around the brain to allow the CSF to drain away, thus relieving the pressure on the brain. If this procedure does not take place, due to a failure to suspect and diagnose the condition, the fluid pressure on the brain will continue to increase.
Failing to diagnose hydrocephalus
Patients with untreated hydrocephalus are likely to suffer increasingly debilitating symptoms with cognitive dysfunction, mobility issues including a dangerous likelihood of falling and possible epileptic seizures.
The impact of such symptoms on the individual's quality of life and ability tow ork and function independently can be significant.
If this situation is due to the failure of a medical professional to recognise and take the appropriate action when faced with the patient's symptoms, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the life-changing impact of a failure to recognise hydrocephalus symptoms, call us at Glynns today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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