Florida Arachnoiditis Medical Malpractice Claims

August 24, 2018 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman
Florida Arachnoiditis Medical Malpractice Claims

Arachnoiditis Can be Caused by Your Doctor's Negligence

One of the most debilitating causes of back pain can be the pain disorder known as arachnoiditis. It can cause a person's back and spine to feel an incredibly uncomfortable stinging sensation and also lead to neurological issues. This painful condition can be the result of a healthcare provider's negligence and be considered the product of medical malpractice. Anyone that has been affected by arachnoiditis and believes that their doctor's negligent care may have contributed to this condition's development, may be eligible to receive compensation.

What is Arachnoiditis?

Arachnoiditis is the inflammation of the protective membrane that surrounds and protects the spinal cord called the arachnoid. Arachnoiditis is characterized by intense pain triggered by the compromised nerves of the spinal cord as well as neurological problems.

Arachnoiditis Causes

Arachnoiditis is caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid which creates scar tissue. This scar tissue can cause nerves to bunch together and fire incorrectly causing malfunction and the painful symptoms attributed with this condition. The arachnoid can become inflamed due to irritation from one of the following sources:
  • Dye used in myelograms (a diagnostic test where dye is injected into the spinal canal to determine any nerve or spinal cord issues) have been blamed for some cases of arachnoiditis. The special dyes used in myelograms responsible for this are no longer used, however. Also, there is concern that the preservatives found in epidural steroid injections may cause arachnoiditis.
  • Infection from bacteria or viruses: Infections such as viral and fungal meningitis or tuberculosis can affect the spine and lead to inflammation of the arachnoid..
  • Chronic compression of spinal nerves: Causes for this compression include chronic degenerative disc disease, advanced spinal deformations, or advanced spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal column).
  • Bad Reactions to Medication: Certain medications can lead to inflammation of the arachnoid.
  • Direct injury to the spine: Lacerations, trauma, pressure, etc.
  • Complications from spinal surgery or other invasive spinal procedures: Similar causes include multiple lumbar (lower back) punctures.

Arachnoiditis Symptoms

Arachnoiditis is characterized by intense pain which will typically be the first and most obvious symptom experienced by those with this condition. There is not really a set pattern of symptoms with arachnoiditis so much as variations of pain and nerve malfunction affecting waist down body functions. The symptoms of arachnoiditis include:
  • Severe shooting pain that can be similar to an electric shock sensation
  • Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs
  • Hot flashes
  • Sensations that may feel like burning, insects crawling on the skin, or water trickling down the leg
  • Bladder, bowel, and/or sexual dysfunction
  • Muscle cramps, spasms, and uncontrollable twitching
Symptoms of arachnoiditis can grow more severe or even permanent if the disease progresses unchecked. The pain caused by arachnoiditis can get to the level where a person afflicted is unable to work since it is so unbearable.

Diagnosing Arachnoiditis

Since arachnoiditis has symptoms that are characteristic of many other chronic pain conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. A person suffering from arachnoiditis will usually only be able to tell their doctor about the excruciating pain that they are experiencing. Accurate diagnosis of arachnoiditis can be done with several tests such as: CAT scan (computerized axial tomography) – a CAT or CT scan utilizes several x-rays taken at different angles to help build a 3D model of the scan site on a computer for analysis. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – An MRI scan utilizes a large magnet and radio waves sent through the body to create a detailed, cross-sectional image of internal organs and structures on a computer. Electromyogram (EMG) – can assess the severity of the ongoing damage to affected nerve roots by using electrical impulses to check nerve function. Myelograms – radiographic contrast (dye) is sent through the spinal canal to detect abnormalities with the spinal cord and nerves. Myelograms with the radiographic contrast in use combined with CAT scanning are not considered to cause or worsen arachnoiditis.

Arachnoiditis Treatment

There is currently no cure for Arachnoiditis. Treatment for arachnoiditis typically consists of pain management techniques used for other chronic pain conditions. Arachnoiditis treatment will usually be unable to completely eliminate pain and symptoms and will focus on minimizing their effects on a person's functions in daily life through management and therapy.

Malpractice Can Cause Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis can be the result of a doctor's failure to provide the expected standard of care. Things like surgical errors, infections, epidural injections, and improper medication can happen because of a healthcare provider's negligence and constitute as malpractice.

Arachnoiditis Injury Claim Damages            

If you or a loved one have been affected by arachnoiditis, then you may be eligible to receive compensation for the medical malpractice damages that you sustain because of the condition. Arachnoiditis despite not being life threatening, can still dramatically alter the quality of someone's life. The pain alone can be debilitating to the level that someone will often be unable to work unless they have rehabilitation or therapy to help manage the pain which can all become incredibly expensive since someone will likely have to cope with arachnoiditis for the rest of their life. Recoverable damages for someone suffering from arachnoiditis can include:
  • Medical bills
  • Therapy and pain management
  • Lost wages
  • Decrease in the quality of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship
  • Disability

Seek an Experienced Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you or a loved one have suffered from arachnoiditis and believe negligence on a healthcare provider's part contributed to its development, then do not hesitate to contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA about receiving a free consultation on your claim. We serve all of Florida with emphasis on locations such as : Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, Sarasota, Miami, Doral, North Miami Beach, Aventura, Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton. No matter where, our lawyers will sit down with you to discuss your options for getting you the compensation that you deserve. Contact us at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA's offices. Please call us at 727-451-6900. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA 800 North Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33765 727-451-6900 https://www.dolmanlaw.com/medical-malpractice-lawyer/florida/

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

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