What causes Meningitis?
Meningitis is almost always caused by another bacterial or viral infection that began elsewhere in the body, like the ears, sinuses, or upper respiratory tract.

How many kinds of Meningitis are there?
There are two kinds of Meningitis.

Bacterial Meningitis is an extremely serious illness that requires immediate medical care. If not treated quickly, it can lead to death within hours or to permanent brain damage in about 30% of people.

Bacterial Meningitis is caused by several bacteria. The most common is Hemophilus Influenza Type B (found in infants), Meningococcus (primarily found in young adults), and Pneumococcus (most common in adults). The bacteria can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. If you are around someone who has bacterial meningitis you should contact your doctor to see if anything should be done so that you don’t become infected.

Viral Meningitis is more common than the bacterial and generally less serious. Because antibiotics cannot treat viral meningitis, they are usually not used. Viral Meningitis clears up within a week or two without specific treatment.

How will I know if I have Meningitis?
If your doctor thinks, after examination, that you are suspect, he will send you to the hospital immediately for:

• Lumbar puncture or spinal tap
• Examination of the fluid will determine if you have it
• Further examination will determine the type

What type of treatment will I receive?
Since this disease proceeds rapidly, you will receive antibiotics immediately and will be hospitalized and probably placed in isolation because Bacterial Meningitis is contagious.

If you have any of the questions listed below, contact us today:

• What are the key legal issues in determining if malpractice has occurred?
• Was there undue delay before giving the proper antibiotics?
• Even if there was an undue delay, did it make a difference?
• Did the physician recognize the Meningitis immediately?
• If not, who did and when?

We will have a medical expert look at and review the patient’s medical records to have a resolution to the above medical questions.

At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through team work and the use of our considerable resources and experience. For a free consultation, please submit the below, or call us at: 1-800-318-LAW1