Delayed Medical Treatment of Adult Hydrocephalus
Undiagnosed and untreated, hydrocephalus will cause damage to the brain and a wide range of long-term symptoms. Where medical professionals are at fault through a failure to diagnose, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Responding to hydrocephalus
An individual who is suffering from hydrocephalus has an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid circulating around the brain. Whilst CSF is essential to the health of the brain and the patient in protecting the brain from shock and providing nutrition, an excess can cause an increase in pressure on the brain.
In order to resolve this threatening situation, a tube or 'shunt' can be inserted to artificially drain the excess fluid away from the brain and reduce the potential for long-term damage.
For this to happen, however, needs a prompt recognition of the symptoms, a willingness to consider hydrocephalus as a possible explanation of the patient's symptoms, and timely treatment.
Diagnosis of hydrocephalus
Symptoms which might typically suggest that a patient may be developing hydrocephalus would include the following:
- Headaches
- Sickness and nausea
- Confusion
- Problems with vision
- Low energy levels
A patient who is experiencing these symptoms is not necessarily suffering with hydrocephalus. There may be a less sinister explanation. However, a failure to consider hydrocephalus may cause a delay in treatment which can be life-changing for the patient and may justify a claim for compensation.
Shunt problems
Patients with hydrocephalus who have already been fitted with a shunt may suffer problems with the shunt which also require prompt diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent a recurrence of their symptoms and a threat to their well-being.
Any recurrence of their symptoms should alert medical professionals to possible problems with the patient's hydrocephalus shunt and warrant further investigation.
A failure by medical practitioners to recognise a shunt dysfunction can be catastrophic for the patient.
Seek legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the debilitating long-term impact of hydrocephalus due to poor-quality medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation, to talk to an experienced lawyer about your situation.
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