Lyme Disease

Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore Lyme Disease Lawyer: A Guide

Lyme disease, an illness carried by ticks that is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, can have severe and lengthy consequences if not diagnosed and treated right away. In some cases, misdiagnosis or delayed treatment can lead to medical malpractice claims. This comprehensive guide provides information about Lyme disease, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and also potential medical malpractice issues. If you have been injured, then you may need the Baltimore Lyme disease lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Understanding Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is generally given to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Early symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Swollen lymph nodes

A distinctive circular or oval rash, often referred to as a “bullseye” rash, may develop at the site of the tick bite. However, not everyone with Lyme disease develops this rash.

If Lyme disease is not treated, it can progress to later stages, leading to more severe symptoms such as:

• Severe fatigue
• Joint pain and swelling (arthritis)
• Heart problems (including irregular heartbeat)
• Nervous system problems (including facial palsy, numbness, and tingling)

Diagnosis of Lyme Disease

A medical history and physical examination are essential to diagnosing Lyme disease. Laboratory tests may include:

• Blood tests: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting are commonly used to detect antibodies to the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium.
• Lyme disease serology tests: These tests specifically measure the body’s immune response to the infection.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis: This also may be necessary if neurological symptoms are present.
• Other tests: In some cases, additional tests, such as MRI or echocardiogram, may evaluate the extent of the infection.

How Lyme Disease Affects the Body

Lyme disease can affect multiple organ systems in the body. Some of the potential complications include:

• Neurological complications: These can range from mild symptoms like headaches and fatigue to more severe conditions such as meningitis and encephalitis.
• Cardiovascular complications: Lyme disease can also cause heart inflammation, leading to irregular heartbeat and other heart problems.
• Musculoskeletal complications: Lyme arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Skin complications: In addition to the bullseye rash, Lyme disease can cause other skin manifestations, such as acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans.

Treatment of Lyme Disease

Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease are crucial to prevent severe complications. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for Lyme disease. The choice of antibiotic and the length of treatment depend on the stage of the infection and the severity of symptoms.

In some cases, Lyme disease may persist even after antibiotic treatment. This condition is post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). PTLDS can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive difficulties. While the exact cause of PTLDS is unknown, it can be related to the immune system’s response to the infection.

Medical Malpractice Claims with the Baltimore Lyme Disease Lawyer

Medical malpractice claims can arise in cases where a doctor fails to diagnose or treat Lyme disease properly. Potential grounds for a medical malpractice claim include:

• Misdiagnosis: If a healthcare provider fails to correctly diagnose Lyme disease, then leading to delayed or inadequate treatment.
• Delayed diagnosis: If a healthcare provider fails to diagnose Lyme disease in a timely manner, allowing the infection to progress and cause more severe symptoms.
• Incorrect treatment: If a healthcare provider prescribes an inappropriate antibiotic or fails to administer the correct dosage.
• Failure to monitor for complications: If a healthcare provider fails to monitor a patient for signs of Lyme disease complications, such as heart problems or neurological issues.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Lyme Disease Lawyer

It is important to consult with a medical malpractice attorney if you believe you may have been a victim of medical malpractice related to Lyme disease. We can help you assess your case and also determine whether you have a valid claim.

For advice specifically on your situation, visit the free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.