fungalmenin

Meningitis from Steroid Injections in Maryland

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that patients who received a steroid injection between May 21 and September 24, 2012 are at risk for contracting a fungal based form of Meningitis due to a contaminated steroid that was manufactured by New England Compounding Center of Framingham, Massachusetts. The steroid, preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate, was given primarily as an injection for back pain relief.

The CDC has confirmed that the following facilities in Maryland received the tainted steroid.  These facilities have been instructed to notify all patients who received the contaminated steroid:

  • Baltimore Pain Management (Baltimore, MD)
  • Berlin Interventional Pain Management (Berlin, MD)
  • Box Hill Surgery Center (Abingdon, MD)
  • Greenspring Surgery Center (Baltimore, MD)
  • Harford County ASC, LLC (Edgewood, MD)
  • Pain Medicine Specialists (Towson, MD)
  • Surgcenter of Bel Air (Bel Air, MD)

As of October 11, 2012 there have been 12 fatalities nationwide from meningitis contracted from the contaminated steroid, including one death in Maryland. If you were treated with a steroid shot for back pain anytime during the summer of 2012, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Fungal Meningitis Symptoms

Meningitis is a life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which are known as the “meninges.” There are various causes of meningitis; fungal meningitis occurs after a fungal infection is directly introduced into the central nervous system. Fungal meningitis is not contagious.

Meningitis is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

  • Nausea;
  • Vomiting;
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light);
  • Altered mental status.

People with fungal meningitis may also experience:

  • Dislike of bright lights;
  • Changes in mental status, confusion;
  • Hallucinations;
  • Personality changes.

Symptoms of fungal meningitis are similar to symptoms of other forms of meningitis; however, they often appear more gradually.

If you have fungal meningitis, it will be treated with long courses of high dose antifungal medications. This is usually administered via an intravenous solution (IV) line at a hospital.

Get Help From Our Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyers Now

Contact your doctor or health care provider immediately if you suffer any of the side effects related to fungal meningitis. If you are unable to get to a doctor’s office, call 911.

Then call Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. for a free consultation with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. We will fight to ensure you or your loved ones are compensated, and there is no fee for our services unless you receive compensation. Contact our experienced medical malpractice attorneys at 410-730-7737 or contact us online.