Portland Spinal Abscess Lawyer

Spinal Cord Injury Caused by Failure to Diagnose & Treat

Delay in treating a spinal epidural abscess (SEA) can lead to permanent disability or death, which is why a prompt and accurate diagnosis is so important. Although difficult to diagnose, SEA is detectable and treatable. Unfortunately, many patients have to make multiple hospital or ER visits before the abscess is detected. By the second, third, or subsequent visit, it may be too late to reverse the damage. This type of scenario may warrant a Portland medical malpractice lawsuit. If this has happened to you or a loved one, we invite you to contact Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC for a free evaluation of your case.

The Facts About Spinal Epidural Abscess (SEA)

What exactly is a spinal abscess? SEA forms near the spinal column, specifically, in a space within the spine known as “epidural space.” Abscesses are pus-filled capsules that typically arise out of bacterial infections.

• What causes SEA?
  We already mentioned that bacterial infections cause these spinal abscesses, but specifically what types of bacteria? In many cases, the bacteria leading to SEA is staphylococcus aureus (the bacteria that often causes staph infections).
• Who is at risk for SEA?
  Although anyone can get SEA, some individuals are more prone than others. Research has found that people who drink frequently, are diabetic, are frequent drug users, have diabetes, or recently had surgery are most at risk for developing this condition.
• How do these abscesses harm the patient?
  SEA blocks the normal flow of the veins and arteries that comprise the spinal column. The abscesses also put pressure on spinal fibers, causing them to shut down and fail to function as they should. Something else that harms the spinal cells in the event of an abscess is inflammatory mediator cells.

SEA is incredibly difficult to diagnose because there is no uniform set of symptoms. The one common thread would be back pain, but back pain can be indicative of a number of different conditions other than SEA. According to research, three out of every four patients with spinal abscess is not diagnosed promptly due to confusion regarding the symptoms.

Contacting an Experienced Spinal Abscess Attorney

Blaming failure to diagnose spinal epidural abscess on medical negligence can be difficult. Like any medical malpractice case, SEA cases are extremely complex and should be evaluated by an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC is one of the most experienced malpractice firms in the region, with recognition in “Best Law Firms” and a “Lawyer of the Year” vote both in the practice area of medical malpractice – plaintiffs. Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC will evaluate the merits of your case for free, so contact us today to learn more.