Identifying and Treating Meningitis in Atlanta
The typical signs and symptoms of meningitis are similar to those of the flu and include a high fever, a bad headache that might seem worse than normal, nausea, or vomiting. Depending on the circumstances, a person can also have other symptoms that are not often seen with the flu, such as a stiff neck, confusion or difficulty concentrating, seizures, light sensitivity, loss of appetite, water aversion, or even skin rashes.
When it comes to identifying and treating meningitis in Atlanta, every second counts, so it is vitally important to see a medical provider as soon as possible after noticing symptoms in order to avoid the catastrophic consequences of undiagnosed meningitis. If a doctor in Atlanta fails to diagnose or treat your meningitis appropriately, a malpractice lawyer may be able to help you file suit against that negligent medical professional. With the aid of an in-house doctor who could offer years of medical experience, you could rest assured that a team of client-centered attorneys are ready to help you hold wrongdoers accountable.
Meningitis Diagnoses
When diagnosing any illness or condition, it is important that a healthcare provider first takes patients’ full medical histories, including what their symptoms are, when they started, and what medications they are taking. Next, healthcare providers should perform a physical exam where they observe and examine different parts of patients’ bodies to see how the disease is manifesting in different bodily systems. For suspected cases of meningitis, certain diagnostic tests should be performed as well to determine if the patient has meningitis or another similar presenting condition.
Typically, doctors in Atlanta diagnose meningitis using blood cultures, in which blood is drawn and placed in a dish to see if it grows certain types of microorganisms or bacteria. Imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans may also be used to help doctors look for swelling or inflammation in the head. The last step to confirm meningitis might be a spinal tap or lumbar puncture, which involves collecting and testing cerebrospinal fluid from the patient’s spinal cord area to see if it has certain properties that indicate meningitis.
Treatments for Different Forms of Meningitis
There are several types of meningitis Atlanta residents may contract. Bacterial meningitis occurs when bacteria enters the bloodstream and goes to the brain or spinal cord. This type of meningitis is the most serious and can lead to death or brain injury.
Fungal meningitis, while rare, can also be quite serious if it is not treated with proper antifungal treatments. Comparatively, viral meningitis is somewhat mild and often clears up on its own, and there are other types like chronic meningitis that develop more slowly.
Appropriate meningitis treatment depends on the type of meningitis the patient needs treated. Bacterial meningitis treatment can start immediately with IV antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids. Doctors may start with broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover as many bacteria as possible, until they can determine the exact type of bacteria causing the patient’s meningitis and switch to the right antibiotic to deal with that specific bacteria.
Since viral meningitis often improves on its own with time, most Atlanta healthcare providers recommend that patients stay in bed, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter medication to help cope with body aches and fevers. Fungal meningitis requires treatment with an antifungal to take care of the fungus that is causing the meningitis.
The Importance of Identifying and Treating Atlanta Meningitis Cases Appropriately
If left undiagnosed and untreated, certain forms of meningitis can be extremely dangerous and deadly, and even more mild viral infections can cause patients significant discomfort and concern. Accordingly, if doctors in Atlanta failed to identify and treat meningitis that caused you harm, you may have grounds for a civil case against them. Call today to speak directly to an attorney who takes calls at all hours and is ready to offer a free case evaluation.
