Hirschsprung’s Disease is a congenital disorder of the large intestine that occurs in about one in five thousand births. Unfortunately, this disease is responsible for twenty-five percent of all intestinal blockages in newborns. Suspected signs and symptoms in a newborn include constipation, abdominal distension, projectile vomiting, poor feeding, and a failure to pass meconium within forty-eight hours after birth. Physiologically, the affected segment of the large intestine narrows because of the absence of local ganglion nerve cells which function to
Continue Reading Hirschsprung’s Disease and Medical MalpracticeAppendicitis: Early Diagnosis and Treatment are Essential
Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery to remove the appendix. If left untreated, an inflamed appendix will eventually rupture. When this happens intestinal contents (stool and bacteria) spill into the abdominal cavity causing infectious peritonitis, a serious and toxic inflammation of the abdominal cavity’s lining (the peritoneum). This condition can be fatal unless it is treated quickly with surgery and strong antibiotics.
SYMPTOMS: Usually pain is the first symptom, starting in the mid abdomen around
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Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and Medical Malpractice
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This fluid is continually produced and stored in ventricles, which are cavities of the brain. CSF cushions the brain, supplies the brain with nutrients, and removes wastes. Excess fluid drained from the brain is absorbed by other tissues.
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an abundance of CSF in the ventricles due to interference in proper drainage and absorption. To accommodate the extra fluid
Continue Reading Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and Medical MalpracticeEpidural Anesthesia and Medical Malpractice
Epidural block has become a popular method of pain management during labor. However, questions persist regarding its safety and effects on mother and baby. Epidural anesthesia is a regional anesthesia, which means it blocks pain from a specific region in the body. The goal of a labor epidural is to block pain impulses from lower spinal segments that can result in decreased feeling in the abdominal and pelvic area. Optimally, this decreases the pain experienced during contractions and labor; however
Continue Reading Epidural Anesthesia and Medical MalpracticeBREAST CANCER AND MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Breast cancer affects millions of women in America and some studies indicate up to one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. The survival rate of breast cancer that is detected and treated early is much better than when a malignant tumor is found after it has already spread to lymph nodes or surrounding tissue. Therefore, it is important that every effort be made to diagnose and treat breast lesions
Continue Reading BREAST CANCER AND MEDICAL MALPRACTICELumbar Puncture – Indications and Usage
Lumbar puncture is a procedure performed in the lower back area, where a needle is inserted between two vertebrae to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The patient flexes his/her back to widen the spaces between the vertebrae so it is easier for the physician to access the region. The back is washed with antiseptic soap or iodine and covered with a sterile sheet. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area and then a thin hollow needle
Continue Reading Lumbar Puncture – Indications and UsagePersistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) can occur in babies when the circulatory system does not adapt to conditions outside the mother’s uterus. Before birth, the baby’s oxygen needs are met through the placenta in the mother’s uterus. After birth, the baby’s lungs take over this function. After being born, the baby inflates its lungs with its first breaths. Then, a series of changes take place to decrease resistance to blood flowing through the newborn’s lungs. This allows the
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Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS), and Medical Malpractice
Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a severe blistering condition of the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, ears, nose, and eyes. It is usually the result of an allergic reaction to certain medications including, but not limited to, antibiotics (penicillin), anti-epileptics (such as Dilantin and Depakote), sulfa drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen), methotrexate, sedatives, and gout drugs (such as allopurinal).
-skin blisters, rash, or red splotches of the mouth, ears, and nose
Premature Birth May Result in Injury to the Newborn
Premature birth can often result in complications for the newborn. Preterm or premature birth refers to babies born before 37 weeks of a normal 40 week long pregnancy.
Some complications that can affect babies born prematurely are lung complications from lack of pulmonary maturity or development. Eye problems can result in vision difficulties or blindness. Premature babies may be more prone to infections and intestinal problems. They also are at increased risk for bleeding in the brain which can
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Electrical brain mapping and epilepsy surgery
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic diseases in the world and is present in 4% of the world’s population. The majority of patients with epilepsy can be managed medically. Intracranial surgery involves inherent risks; thus, surgery is only indicated if the benefits outweigh the risks of uncontrolled seizures. If surgery is indicated, the patient must undergo a pre-surgical evaluation that involves an extensive medical history focusing on seizure activity, type, frequency, and duration. In addition a physical exam
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