Spinal Epidural Abscess | Hospital Negligence

Spinal Epidural Abscess Lawsuits

A spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a dangerous infection that forms between the spinal cord and its protective covering. When left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage, paralysis, or death. Because early symptoms often mimic other spinal conditions, doctors must act quickly to diagnose and treat the infection. A failure to diagnose or properly manage a spinal epidural abscess may constitute medical malpractice, and patients harmed by such negligence have the right to pursue compensation through a lawsuit.

The Lyon Firm represents victims of spinal infections nationwide, helping families seek justice for preventable medical errors and delayed diagnoses.

investigating hospital infection lawsuits & failure to diagnose epidural abscess infection cases

An intracranial epidural abscess is a serious infection forming in the space between the skull and brain lining, and a spinal epidural abscess is an infection in the lining membrane of the spinal cord, potentially leading to epidural abscess paralysis.

An epidural abscess creates areas of pus that builds up and cause swelling. The swelling and the infection can cause complications and affect physical movement, often causing long-term disability and paralysis. If medical staff Delay in Diagnosis quickly, spinal epidural abscess injury and paralysis are distinct possibilities.

Joe Lyon is an experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney and Hospital Negligence Lawyer investigating cases of spinal epidural abscess injury and paralysis for plaintiffs nationwide.

Epidural Abscess Infection

Usually, an epidural abscess is caused by a fungus or a Staphylococcus aureus bacterial infection, from undiagnosed UTIs, hospital infections, bacterial endocarditis, or other infections that spread throughout the body and lead to complications that may include:

• Paralysis
• Wrongful Death
• Sepsis
• Meningoencephalitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Panspinal abscess
• Spinal cord dysfunction

Spinal Epidural Abscess Symptoms

Doctors and medical professionals have a responsibility to properly and promptly diagnose a patient with dangerous hospital-borne infections, and a failure to diagnose may lead to severe injury and death.

A plaintiff and family have a right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit based on a diagnostic error an infection that causes serious injury. The symptoms of a spinal epidural abscess injury will largely depend on the location of the abscess, though commonly include the following:

• Headache
• Fever
• Unusual sensation throughout the body
• Problems with coordination
• Trouble walking
• General weakness and fatigue
• Paralysis
• Back Pain
• Inability to control the bowels or bladder
• Nausea

Epidural Abscess Diagnosis & Treatment

A hospital and team of physicians should order diagnostic tests that may include:

• Neurological exam
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Testing abscess fluid
• Blood Type Incompatibility

Depending on the progression of an infection, and to ward off epidural abscess infection paralysis, doctors typically utilize antibiotics to fight the specific infection that caused the abscess. It is common to drain the abscess fluid to help relieve pressure from the spinal area.

Pending abscess culture results, antibiotics are usually administered to fight likely staphylococcus and possible gram-negative bacteria.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney

Spinal epidural abscess is a rare condition that can be fatal if left untreated. While the condition can have many potential causes, various parties can be held liable for injuries connected with spinal epidural abscess. In addition, other legal issues such as diagnosis errors or delays in treatment can lead to a medical malpractice suit. The Lyon Firm has the experience and resources needed to represent clients in such matters.

Plaintiffs in failure to diagnose cases should consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to investigate hospital negligence and review medical records and to determine who may be culpable in an injury or death.

Plaintiffs in missed diagnosis lawsuits can expect to recover medical expenses, lost wages and income, rehabilitation expenses, and damages related to pain and suffering and long-term disability.