Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord). Meningitis usually results from infection by a variety of micro organisms usually a virus or a bacterium.

Types

Meningococcal - one of the most common causes of Meningitis. The bacteria is commonly living in the back of the nose and throat and upper respiratory tract. Often people carry the bacteria without becoming ill. Only rarely do the bacteria overcome the body‘s natural defences causing Meningitis. Urgent treatment with antibiotics and appropriate hospital management is essential. The sooner a person is diagnosed and treated the better the chance that they will make a full recovery.
Meningococcal Septicaemia - Meningococcal bacteria can cause both Meningitis and Septicaemia (blood poisoning). Septicaemia can be more life threatening than Meningitis. Septicaemia is a medical emergency and needs urgent medical treatment with antibiotics.
Pneumococcal Meningitis - this is caused by a bacterium which can be carried harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat. Carriage of bacteria helps us to build up natural immunity to infection. Pneumcoccal Meningitis requires rapid admission to hospital and urgent treatment with antibiotics. If treated promptly it is less likely to become life threatening.
Haemophilus Influenza Type B (HIB) - HIB Meningitis is usually seen in infants and very few cases occur beyond the age of 4 - 5. Since the introduction of the HIB vaccine in 1992 cases have dropped significantly and now this type of Meningitis is rarely seen.
TB Meningitis - this is due to the Tuberculosis bacteria. It is very rare and most people will have a tuberculosis infection elsewhere.
E coli Meningitis - generally affects new born babies where the bacteria are commonly found in the intestines.
Group B Streptococcal (GBS) Meningitis - a severe illness affecting babies soon after birth.
Viral Meningitis - this is much more common than the bacterial forms listed above. It is generally less serious. It can be caused by many different viruses.The symptoms can be similar to the bacterial form and it may on occasion be necessary to admit someone to hospital with Viral Meningitis. Viral Meningitis cannot be helped by antibiotics and treatment is based on good nursing care. Recovery is normally complete.

Signs and Symptoms

It must be remembered that the following is a list of various symptoms for all the various types of Meningitis. The symptoms do not appear in any order and not everybody will have any or all of the symptoms listed.

A high temperature, possibly with cold hands and feet;
Vomiting, sometimes diarrhoea;
Severe headache;
Neck stiffness;
Aching limbs, sometimes stomach cramps;
Dislike of bright lights;
Drowsiness;
Fits;
Confusion/disorientation;
A rash that does not fade under pressure;

With a child there may be other signs and symptoms such as:-

A high pitched moaning or whimpering cry;
Blank staring expression;
Pale or blotchy complexion;
A baby may be floppy and not like being handled;
Difficult to wake;
The soft spot/fontanelle may be tense or bulging.

Bringing a Claim

A claim for medical negligence may result from a failure or delay in diagnosing and/or treating Meningitis or Septicaemia leading to serious long lasting problems or even death.

Investigating a Meningitis claim is a complex process and needs the experience and skills of a specialist Clinical Negligence Solicitor. There are a few such specialists in the UK today that have this experience. We at Barcan Woodward have this level of experience to help you through the process of bringing a claim.

If you would like to consider your potential claim with us please either make an on line inquiry or telephone us to discuss.

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Please telephone us with any questions you may have. This will not cost you anything and if we think we can help you further we can arrange, if appropriate, a free initial interview.

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