A spinal cord epidural abscess is a rare but serious medical emergency. If the diagnosis for this condition is delayed, the consequences can be life-altering and may include permanent paralysis. At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C., we understand the devastating impact this form of medical malpractice can have on victims and their families, and we fight to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable through life’s toughest trials, just as we did when we secured a $14 million settlement for a client who suffered an epidural abscess that was undiagnosed by her healthcare provider.
Understanding Spinal Cord Epidural Abscess
A spinal cord epidural abscess is a collection of pus and infectious material that forms between the bones of the spine and the membranes covering the spinal cord. The infection can quickly cause swelling, which can put dangerous pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.
Common causes of abscess on the spine include:
- Bacterial infections
- Recent spinal surgery
- Intravenous drug use
- Compromised immune systems
- Infections elsewhere in the body
Typical symptoms of spinal abscess include:
- Localized back pain and tenderness
- Fever and chills
- Numbness, weakness, and tingling limbs
- Difficulty walking or controlling bladder/bowel function
Addressing these symptoms urgently is critical, as damage can progress rapidly. Contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you’re experiencing any of the above.
Common Causes of Diagnostic Delays
Unfortunately, spinal cord epidural abscesses are frequently misdiagnosed in their early stages. Common reasons for a delayed or missed diagnosis include:
- Similarity to Other Conditions: Many symptoms of an epidural abscess resemble those of less serious conditions, such as sciatica or muscle strain. When the patient has no known risk factors, doctors may not consider the condition to be a possible cause of the symptoms.
- Failure to Order Test Images: Imaging tests, such as MRIs or CT scans, are often crucial for diagnosing an epidural abscess. Without ordering them, symptoms can progress quickly and cause epidural paralysis.
- Dismissal of Symptoms: When a patient reports worsening pain, fever, and especially neurological issues, those concerns should trigger immediate evaluation. If they don’t, treatment of spinal epidural abscess may be delayed too long, allowing the condition and associated consequences to worsen.
How Delayed Diagnosis Leads to Paralysis
How can an epidural abscess cause paralysis when the diagnosis is delayed?
When an infection is allowed to grow, inflammation worsens and spreads throughout the body. As swelling increases, it compresses the spinal cord, cutting off critical blood supply to the nerve tissue. Without adequate blood flow, nerves begin to die, and the spinal cord’s nerve tissue cannot regenerate.
How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
Epidural lawsuit cases are often complicated, as they involve a rare condition, multiple potentially liable parties, and the need for expert testimony. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can launch an in-depth investigation to determine whether your healthcare providers violated the applicable standard of care. This can include reviewing your medical records, imaging studies, and lab results with the help of medical experts and constructing a clear symptom timeline using patient statements and witness accounts.
If we find evidence of medical malpractice, we’ll fight to hold the negligent parties accountable and seek maximum compensation on your behalf.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
The experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C. have the knowledge, resources, and dedication to justice to fight for the compensation you deserve when medical negligence causes life-altering injuries. Contact us today for your free consultation.
