The Devastation Of A Delayed Diagnosis

Without question, failure to recognize a condition or a delay in diagnosis can significantly affect one’s quality of life, and may even end in death. Such is the case with a spinal epidural abscess. Though a rare condition, it can prove devastating, particularly when it remains undetected and treatment is not administered early. Unfortunately, spinal abscess has become a common condition that is not diagnosed due to medical negligence and/or malpractice.

The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry explains the clinical manifestations of spinal epidural abscess, with spinal pain being the most consistent symptom. Fever, spinal tenderness and radiating root pain, along with limb weakness are also mentioned. In many cases, spinal pain and fever are the only two symptoms present prior to a dramatic neurological decline. However, in cases where jaundice, fever, confusion and raised fibrin degradation products (FDP) are present, neurological symptoms may remain undetected. This can occur in patients that are confined to a bed. Diagnosis of spinal abscess requires advanced imaging, and when detected, surgery and/or antimicrobial therapy are high-priority.

As one can imagine, the careful and timely diagnosis of spinal abscess is critical to a patient’s outcome. Equally important is the urgency in which treatment is given. When there is an error in diagnosis, treatment or aftercare, and a patient is injured or dies, this could be considered medical negligence or malpractice. This includes misreading laboratory results or scans, premature discharge, disregarding symptoms and failure to order appropriate testing.

Experienced And Trusted Medical Malpractice Attorney

Perhaps you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a spinal epidural abscess, but the damage has already been done. You have suffered a disability as a result of the delay in your diagnosis, and you can no longer work. With mounting medical bills and the prospect of ongoing medical care, not to mention the psychological impact of your injuries, you deserve the representation of an experienced and trusted medical malpractice attorney.

Attorney Daniel J. Moriarty has spent years pursuing justice and compensation for personal injury victims, and is uniquely positioned to advocate on behalf of victims of a delayed diagnosis. If you reside in the metro-Atlanta area, and believe that a delayed diagnosis is to blame for your hardship and pain, contact Moriarty Injury Lawyer today.