Solicitor advises public to challenge doctors to prevent misdiagnosis of meningitis - United Kingdom

As the university year starts again, Philippa Luscombe, clinical negligence partner at Penningtons Solicitors LLP, urges people not only to be alert to the symptoms of meningitis but also to challenge doctors who say that they or their children are 'too well' to have meningitis. Leading clinical negligence solicitor advises public to challenge doctors to prevent misdiagnosis of meningitis.

Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF), the charity behind Meningitis Awareness Week (19-25 September 2011), continues its programme of public awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis. A main focus is the higher proportion of young people – particularly university students - who contract meningitis, particularly at this time of year.

While still a comparatively rare condition, the consequences of meningitis can be devastating if it is not correctly diagnosed and treated early. Viral meningitis is generally not life threatening but bacterial meningitis (which represents most UK cases) is very serious.

MRF statistics indicate approximately 3,300 cases of bacterial meningitis each year in the UK and one in ten people who contract meningitis do not survive. Of those who survive, approximately one in four are left with permanent disability. Quick diagnosis and correct treatment are vital for survival and a full recovery, hence the need for public awareness.

As specialist clinical negligence solicitors, we are frequently approached by people with concerns about delays in the diagnosis of meningitis – particularly in children. While we only see a snapshot of medical care across the country, our perception is that there has been an increase in the number of cases where the diagnosis has been missed or delayed and a common theme (particularly in children) is that the individual is said by the doctors to be 'too well' to have meningitis.

The difficulty is that the early signs - fever, vomiting and headache - can be hard to recognise and are often just typical symptoms of being 'unwell'. However, the key to a good outcome is to be open to the possibility of meningitis and to be ready to act if the symptoms progress. Other symptoms signs such as rash, joint pain, dislike of bright lights and a stiff neck are more specific and should never be ignored.

Increased public awareness of warning signs and symptoms is critical and patients, particularly parents, must feel confident of expressing their concerns about meningitis. If they are told by doctors that it is not likely, they must ask for a proper explanation and, crucially, for advice as to what signs should mean the need to urgently seek further medical advice. Meningitis can often be hard to detect early but patients who are sent away often delay in coming back for further advice, not appreciating the significance of further symptoms. We believe that medical professionals should focus on giving potential sufferers this guidance.

Source: Penningtons Solicitors LLP