Florida Guillain-Barre Syndrome Malpractice

August 31, 2018 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman
Florida Guillain-Barre Syndrome Malpractice

Guillain-Barre Medical Practice Claims

Damage to our nervous system can have serious lifelong consequences. Our ability to not only feel and sense is endangered, but also our ability to control certain bodily functions. This is why it's imperative that healthcare providers prioritize the proper screening for and diagnosis of ailments that target this system of the body or else they could be considered negligent and guilty of malpractice. The disorder known as Guillain-Barre syndrome is one such ailment that can endanger your nervous system. Guillain-Barre syndrome is characterized by the immune system attacking the nerves and causing weakness and tingling in the extremities leading to eventual paralysis in the event that it goes unchecked. When someone has Guillain-Barre syndrome, their immune system which normally deals with combating invasive pathogens, starts to target the body's nerves and damages the myelin that surrounds and protects the nerves. This leads to the disorder's tingling symptoms.

Types of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN): This form is not likely to be found in the United States and is instead more often in Asia. Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS): This form starts with paralysis of the eyes and is also associated with unsteady walking. This form as well is also much more common in Asia than in the United States. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP): This form is the most commonly found in the United States and typically begins with muscle weakness that starts at the lower half of the body and works its way up.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome will usually begin with tingling sensations and weakness of the legs and feet. These sensations will slowly begin to spread to the arms and face over time. In some cases, the tingling sensations may actually start vice versa in the face and arms. As the weakness in the extremities grow, the limbs will eventually begin to experience paralysis without treatment. Symptoms will typically become the most severe after 2 to 4 weeks. Signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome can include:
  • Fatigue and weariness
  • Pin and needle sensations in the extremities (fingers, toes, etc.)
  • Weakness beginning in the legs that spreads throughout the body
  • Difficulty walking and climbing stairs
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Trouble with speaking, chewing, swallowing, and other facial movements
  • Aches and cramps that increase in pain
  • Difficulty with breathing
  • Increased heart rate
  • Incontinence and trouble with bladder or bowel function
If you have been experiencing a combination of these symptoms, such as tingling fingers and toes as well as muscle weakness in your legs, then you should see your healthcare provider and ask about Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Causes of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Doctors are not entirely sure what the cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is. It usually will start to appear a few days or even weeks after a respiratory or digestive tract infection. There are cases where recent surgery, immunization, as well as certain viral infections have possibly triggered Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Risk Factors for Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome can affect anyone but it has a higher chance of occurring in young men than any other demographic. Guillain-Barre syndrome also may be triggered by: Most commonly, infection with campylobacter, a type of bacteria often found in undercooked poultry
  • Influenza virus
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Zika virus
  • Hepatitis A, B, C and E
  • HIV, the virus that causes AIDS
  • Mycoplasma pneumonia
  • Surgery
  • Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • Rarely, influenza vaccinations or childhood vaccinations

Treatment for Guillain-Barre Syndrome

There is currently no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome but there are many ways that it can be treated. Treatments for Guillain-Barre syndrome function to help limit the symptoms of the disorder as well as stop any complications from occurring. It should also be noted that most that suffer through Guillain-Barre syndrome end up making a full recovery eventually. This is only after extensive treatment that can last for weeks and months. Treatment for Guillain-Barre syndrome can include: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): Injections of the proteins the immune system uses to attack invading organisms are administered. Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange): Plasma is separated from your red and white blood cells. Neither of these options is more effective than the other, but IVIG is easier to administer. In addition to this, patients can undergo various forms of rehabilitation and therapy to help build strength in weakened limbs and adjust to symptoms.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Malpractice

It is a doctor's duty to recognize the symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome and take the appropriate measures to test and ensure that it is caught in time. To fail to take the appropriate test to diagnose Guillain-Barre syndrome in the face of symptoms that would indicate it would be considered negligent. Those that have been affected by Guillain-Barre syndrome deserve compensation in the case of a negligent doctor whose failure to meet the expected standards of care constitutes as malpractice. A medical malpractice claim against a negligent doctor can secure you compensation for the variety of damages that you may have sustained while suffering from Guillain-Barre syndrome. Damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even disability to name a few. Complications of Guillain-Barre Syndrome Negligence on the part of a responsible healthcare professional can result in serious complications from Guillain-Barre syndrome that can include:
  • Bowel and bladder function issues
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Blood clots
  • Residual numbness or other sensations
  • Heart and blood pressure problems
  • Intense lingering pain
  • Relapse
  • Pressure sores

Seek an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you or a loved one believe that your Guillain-Barre syndrome developed because of the negligence of a healthcare provider, then you should contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA about receiving a free consultation on your claim. Our skilled lawyers have the expertise that you will need to secure the compensation that you deserve. 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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