Discitis is an inflammation that can develop between the intervertebral discs of your spine. It usually occurs as a result of a post-surgical infection or from an infection already present elsewhere in the body that then spreads to the disc spaces.
When left untreated discitis can lead to paralysis, sepsis, epidural abscess, or other life- threatening complications.
If you believe you’ve suffered permanent damage to your spinal cord as a result of misdiagnosed or untreated discitis, you may be able to claim financial compensation.
Symptoms of Discitis
The most common symptom of discitis is severe and almost unbearable back pain in the specific area of the infection. This is caused by pressure being put on the discs due to swelling.
Other symptoms that might be present before the onset of back pain include:
- Stiffness in your back
- Difficulty with movement
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Postural changes
- Fever
Due to there being many possible causes of back pain, discitis can be difficult to properly diagnose early on.
Diagnosis of Discitis
To arrive at an accurate diagnosis, your doctor may order several tests, such as:
- Blood tests to check for signs of infection
- Bone scans: To examine the vertebrae and the spaces around them to assess the vitality of the bone and determine if you have a bone infection.
- Imaging tests (X-ray or MRI): To obtain images of the spine and surrounding tissues.
- Tissue analysis (biopsy of the spinal tissue): To collect a sample for analysis under a microscope to determine the diagnosis.
Treatment for Discitis
Discitis is treatable and is usually cured through non-invasive treatment. Doctors commonly prescribe oral medications to treat the condition. These will either include antibiotics for a bacterial infection or an anti-inflammatory medication for an autoimmune reaction.
The treatment of discitis often requires a long course of antibiotic therapy, that can last from six to eight weeks, and which is usually given intravenously every day.
For chronic or serve discitis, a doctor might also prescribe steroids to reduce swelling as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain.
You might also need to take prolonged bed rest, make changes to some of your usual physical activities and potentially wear a back brace or similar supportive device during the treatment process.
In rare cases, surgery is required. This is usually a last resort and comes about due to one or more of the following issues: failed medical management, spinal instability or development of a deformity, significant disc destruction, neurological deficit and intractable pain. Surgery is deemed necessary to prevent potential paralysis from becoming irreversible.
Discitis compensation
At Aspire Law, our expert lawyers have successfully represented clients who became paralysed from misdiagnosed and untreated discitis. We know how to quantify a claim for such losses if there is one that can be brought.
Compensation aims to help people with permanent damage as a result of negligent surgery adjust to their new circumstances and lead a fulfilling life. Compensation can provide financial support in rebuilding lives and helping you to fund customisations, including:
- Rehabilitation
- Accessible Housing
- Transport
- Care
- Aids and equipment
- Re-education and training
- Therapeutic services
- Case management
Rehabilitation and other life adaptations are vital in helping you manage and improve your physical and emotional wellbeing in the months and years to come. The extent of the damage suffered and the effect it has had on your life, will play a decisive role in the size of settlement you may be awarded.
To discover more about making a discitis negligence claim, call us today on 0800 030 20 40 or contact us online and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.