Lawyer
LawyerFailure by neurologist to review sleep oximetry test after patient complaint of lethargy and pain.
Our client, Claire, suffered the onset of epilepsy later in her life. She was referred to a neurologist who put her on Keppra, an anti-epileptic/anticonvulsant drug. Keppra is known to have side effects in a large proportion of people who are prescribed the drug.
After a couple of months, she experienced poor sleep, pain in her muscles and joints, tiredness, lethargy, depression, and anxiety. She went for review with the neurologist who sent her for a sleep oximetry test which showed that she was experiencing significant oxygen desaturations which were most likely being caused by the anti-epileptic medication. He did not make an appointment for review with the patient and told her that he would contact her if the results were abnormal. The report was sent back to the neurologist, but he failed to review it.
Thinking that she would have been contacted if the test results were abnormal our client continued to take the anti-epileptic medication for twelve (12) months, during which time she experienced profound lethargy and other debilitating symptoms caused by the medication. She became incapable of performing her duties at work and she was unable to drive due to her fatigue. She had to leave her job.
At her annual review, the neurologist realised the error and immediately took her off the Keppra. Her symptoms largely resolved within a few months.
Claire’s case is currently active and we are in the process of preparing the case for mediation.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a consequence of a doctor not informing them of and/or acting upon an abnormal test result, we would be pleased to discuss your/their options in a free initial consultation. You can either book an appointment online or call us on (02) 4050 0330 to make an appointment with one of our expert medical negligence solicitors.
