Hydrocephalus Compensation Claims
Unless hydrocephalus is diagnosed, treated and monitored, the patient's life can be devastated by the effects of mobility and vision problems. In the long-term, the condition can cause the patient's death.
Compensation claims may arise from hydrocephalus for a number of reasons:
Failure to diagnose
Patients attending their GP with the symptoms of hydrocephalus need thorough investigation and, if appropriate, a prompt diagnosis. A delay in diagnosing hydrocephalus can allow a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain, threatening the patient's life.
Most frequently occurring in babies, hydrocephalus can, nonetheless, develop in adults, perhaps after a head injury or a stroke.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus are likely to include the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and confusion
- Balance and co-ordination problems
- Problems with vision
Investigations in the form of a CT scan or MRI scan may be necessary in order to confirm a diagnosis.
If a diagnosis is confirmed, surgery is likely to be necessary to insert a shunt or tube to allow the excess fluid to drain from the area around the brain down to the abdominal cavity, thus relieving the pressure on the brain.
Shunt failure
Once a shunt has been fitted, however, the patient continues to require monitoring to check that the shunt is working effectively, does not need replacing and is not failing in its task.
A number of problems can arise with the functioning of a shunt and this can lead to a return of the patient's original symptoms and the reoccurrence of the threat to the patient's well-being and life.
Patients who have had a shunt fitted for hydrocephalus should see their medical practitioner urgently if they begin to suffer symptoms of fatigue, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Medical negligence
Should the original diagnosis be delayed or a failed shunt pass unobserved, the relevant medical professionals may be considered to have provided substandard care.
A patient who is left with the long-term effects of substandard care of hydrocephalus may find that life is severely restricted. Mobility, co-ordination and vision problems can make it difficult to work, travel and remain independent.
This can lead to a significant loss of income as well as the patient requiring support to carry out daily tasks.
Compensation claims
A compensation claim can allow the patient to recover the financial losses, past and future that have been or will be incurred as a result of the failure of medical professionals to act promptly and appropriately on their symptoms.
This may cover future care costs as well as lost future income. It may compensate for costs associated with making accommodation suitable for the patient to live and function in.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering with the difficult problems caused by a failure to treat hydrocephalus promptly, the first step is to talk to a medical negligence solicitor.
Contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor who will be able to advise you as to the suitability of making a compensation claim.
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For a free, no-obligation enquiry, contact us at Glynns Solicitors. We are located between Bath and Bristol, and act for victims of medical error across England and Wales.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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