North Carolina Personal Injury Blog

SJS, TENS and EM

Greg Jones — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:56:00 GMT

As with all illnesses, skin diseases can often be hard to diagnose. This article will help distinguish between three often confused disorders: Erythyma Multiforme (EM), Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Erythyma multiforme often occurs as a result of an allergic reaction or infection. It’s fairly common, and mostly affects people between 20 and 40 years of age. EM appears as a rash. The rash looks like several pink/red blotches, each one symmetrical is shape, usually on extremities such as hands. The individual blotches consist of a white center surround by a red ring. Irritation will cause the rash to spread. Fortunately, the rash is ‘self limiting,’ which means that it will eventually disappear by itself.

The most serious form of EM is possibly related to and often confused with Stevens Johnson Syndrome. SJS is also a reaction to medication or infection, but its consequences are generally more serious than those of EM. SJS first manifests itself with flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, sore throat, and fever. A painful purple/red rash follows, causing the top layer of the patient’s skin to blister and then fall off. Anyone suffering from SJS should be immediately taken to the hospital, where they will be taken off of all previous medications and receive similar treatment to burn victims. The best method of physical therapy and treatment is still under contention.

Most dangerous of the three disorders is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. As with the other two, TEN often stems from adverse drug reactions. After 1-2 weeks of fever, the patient will develop a warm, red rash over large swaths of their body. The most strongly affected areas are the mouth, which can develop blisters that make it difficult to eat, the eyes, which can become swollen, crusted, and blind, and the vagina. Eventually the patient’s skin will fall off in large pieces. Diagnosis is often difficult, and treatment, which includes several different levels of intensity based on the progression of the disorder, is far from foolproof; TEN has a mortality rate of 30-40%.

Before you get too concerned, remember that all three of these disorders are rare – TEN affects approximately only 1 out of every million cases per year. Just keep an eye out, and if you develop any of the symptoms be sure to contact your doctor right away.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Jones

Yaz, Yasmin and significant health risks

Greg Jones — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:54:54 GMT

If you ever watch TV, then you've probably seen at least one commercial for Yaz, a birth control pill that boasts the unique side effect of alleviating the symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a medical condition that is similar to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), but the difference is that the symptoms of PMDD are severe enough to affect your daily life.

Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Yaz and its sister Yasmin, have marketed these products as being the solution to PMDD (as well as moderate acne) because of a chemical called drospirenone. Drospirenone is a type of hormone that Bayer uses in its birth control to help reduce bloating and alleviate the symptoms of PMDD.

Unfortunately, drospirenone also causes dehydration, which, in certain women, can have dangerous health effects. Allegedly, as a result of the drospirenone in Yaz and Yasmin, many women (of all ages and walks of life) have suffered from blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks, some of which have been fatal. Many of the victims had no pre-existing heart conditions, and some were as young as 16 years old.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the FDA hasn't approved the use of these birth control pills as cures for either PMDD or acne. This is dangerous marketing that lures girls and women into buying a product that could easily kill them.

If you know a woman who is using Yaz or Yasmin, for whatever reason, make sure she knows the risks involved, and has talked to her doctor about other options that are available to her.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Jones

Why Should I Be in a Hurry to File my Workers' Comp Claim?

Greg Jones — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:54:04 GMT

Filing early is the best way to not only protect your worker’s compensation claim. It is also the best way to get your claim accepted. Insurance companies are wary of almost every claim. Delay in telling your employer or delay in filing your claim does nothing but make them more wary and they will then look for ways to deny your claim. Many states also have several filing deadlines. If you miss those deadlines you can compromise your ability to make a claim at all. The tricky part is that most people don’t know the deadlines or rules of worker’s compensation. The good news is your lawyer will. A good and experienced practitioner can save you from filing deadlines and unreasonably denied claims. Call one now.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Jones

Not So Fast: Nationwide Recall on Slim Fast Due to Bacteria Contamination

Rick Shapiro — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:03:00 GMT

Slim Fast, the popular weight loss beverage, has issued a recall due to the discovery of harmful bacteria in their product that could cause food poisoning including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The bacteria discovered was Bacillus cereus, which is in the same category as Salmonella as a food-borne illness.

The product was sold nationwide, so there could be contaminated Slim Fast in North and South Carolina associated with food poisoning. In fact, some people believe up to 10 million cans of Slim Fast could be affected, according to CNN. The recall covers all flavors, best-by date, and product number. Slim-Fast had two other major food contamination/poisoning recalls roughly 10 years ago.

Over two million cans of the drinks were recalled because of the risk of gastrointestinal sickness, according to walletpop.com. A year prior to that, 192,000 cans were recalled when they were suspected of being tainted with a caustic cleaning solution. More recently, Slim Fast recalled a product earlier this year.

Back in February, Slim Fast had to recall their “on-the-go” bars due to the risk of salmonella food poisoning contamination. In many states, sellers and distributors of food automatically by law provide what is called an implied warranty that their food is wholesome, safe to eat, and is not contaminated (even if not in writing, mandated and "implied" by law). The warranty is a basis of food poisoning lawsuits or claims where a person has serious medical complications, such as hospitalization, doctor's bills, and even permanent effects of the food poisoning.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Shapiro

FDA Watch List on Potentially Dangerous Pharmaceutical Drugs Recently Updated

Randy Appleton — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:50:00 GMT

A list of drugs which may present potential health hazards was recently published by the FDA and can be accessed at the FDA's website. The list includes some antidepressants which have been widely prescribed and may lead to suicidal ideations.

The following are just a few of the drugs that have landed on the FDA’s list:

Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, Able, Maprotiline, Atomexitine, Bupropion, Ablify

Drugs which are under investigation have been identified as having potential side effects. Physicians who prescribe any medication engage in a balancing approach in which they try to insure the patient receives the intended benefit from the medication without an adverse reaction. If a patient begins to experience an adverse reaction while taking a medication it is important to work with the physician to address the side effects and, if possible, avoid any potential harm.

Many times simple changes in dose or the frequency of taking a medication may relieve side effects while still providing the benefit of the medication. The best source of information describing symptoms which a patient suspects are side effects of any medication is the patient. If a patient suspects they are experiencing an unusual reaction while taking any medication, a full description of the symptoms should be reported to the treating doctor. It may be helpful to make notes describing the symptoms including when they began, how long they lasted and whether any other medication had been taken when the symptoms began. In cases of visible symptoms such as hives or rashes, a photo to show the doctor is a good idea. It is also important that a patient being treated by multiple physicians be sure each physician is aware of all the medication being prescribed by other doctors.

Prescription medications are intended to produce beneficial effects for the patient and should generally be taken specifically as instructed by a doctor. The FDA investigation should warn the public of some risks associated with the medications under investigation. If you, or someone you know, are concerned about the use of any medication, consult with the prescribing physician and discuss your concerns thoroughly. Physicians are concerned about the well being of their patients and such discussions provide an opportunity to address issues which directly deal with a patient's care.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Randy Appleton

Delay in Diagnosis: Failure to Timely Diagnose Stoke

Jean Martin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:30:02 GMT

Caroline Monaghan was seen by her primary care physician, who determined that she possibly had blockage in her carotid arteries. Such a blockage, also known as stenosis, carries a great risk for a stroke. Monaghan then had an ultrasound, which found that she had 70% blockage in her left carotid artery. She was referred to a vascular surgeon who ordered an MRA/MRI. Based upon an incorrect interpretation of the MRA/MRI results, another doctor determined that Monaghan had only 50% blockage.

A carotid artery with 50% blockage is treated with aspirin therapy and monitoring. A test revealing 70% blockage can actually understate the amount of blockage, which could be as high as 99%, requiring emergency treatment.

Unfortunately for Ms. Monaghan, the incorrect reading of her MRA/MRI prevented her from having immediate surgical treatment. Days later, Ms. Monaghan suffered a massive stroke causing severe brain damage.

A Pennsylvania jury found the doctor who incorrectly read the MRA/MRI negligent and awarded over $5 million in damages. Recently an appeallate panel upheld the award.

Failure to timely diagnose and treat symptoms of a stroke can have dire consequences, as is evidenced by this case. When stroke victims are not treated quickly, they can suffer brain injury, paralysis, memory problems, and death. Quick diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious injury and death.

Know the warning signs and seek immediate treatment if you start experiencing any. And never be afraid to ask for a second medical opinion. You owe it to yourself and your family.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jean Martin

Outdated Roads Are Dangerous for Pedestrians

John Cooper — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:50:09 GMT

I read a staggering and almost unbelievable statistic from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration the other day. Did you know that in the last 15 years there have been more than 76,000 people killed while crossing or walking along streets in America? In fact, just in the last decade over 43,000 were killed, which includes 3,906 children under 16 in that death toll. If you were to average that number out, it would be equivalent to a commercial jetliner filled with people crashing every 4 weeks. Sadly, pedestrian deaths receive no such media attention which might spark enough public awareness to promote safer roads.

Although the number of children and the elderly are disproportionately higher than other groups when it comes to pedestrian deaths, people of all ages and from all walks of life have been struck down during the simple act of walking. Typically labeled as an accident, a pedestrian death is often attributable to error on the part of the motorist. Whatever way you may categorize these tragic events, just about every pedestrian death occurred along roadways that were designed and built without consideration to anyone except the driver. Most roads and streets are dangerous by their very design as they were engineered for speeding vehicles with no provision for people that are walking, in wheelchairs or on a bike.

At the center of this conundrum is the increasingly greater push for cleaner, human-powered modes of transportation to limit the negative consequences of traffic congestion, oil dependency and pollution. Over the course of the last few years, towns and cities have begun to re-build poorly designed roads to become streets with proper sidewalks and bicycle lanes, along with reducing cross-walk lengths to make it safer for pedestrians and more alluring to the general population. Safer streets have been proven to save lives not only for pedestrians and motorists, but also in the fact that they encourage residents to become more physically active and get outside to walk more.

Sadly, pedestrian death statistics will not decrease overnight. It will take much effort and public awareness to fix obsolete and unsafe road design. Perhaps, in the future our highways will become friendlier to pedestrians and allow motorist ample time to react as the smarter roads could help even the most distracted driver to be aware of someone on foot sharing the road.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Cooper

Traumatic Brain Injury-What Family Should Be Looking Out For When Loved One Has a Closed Head Injury

John Cooper — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:44:46 GMT

A car accident can cause much more damage to drivers and passengers than the initial, visible physical effects seen by the police. Aside from broken bones and bleeding, many car crash victims suffer from traumatic brain injury, which can occur when a blow to the head, or jolt, forces the soft brain tissues against the hard inside of the skull. This can cause bleeding, the tearing of nerve fibers, or brain damage.

The symptoms of traumatic brain injury can vary from case to case, depending on the nature and severity of the blow or shaking, but the Mayo Clinic has listed some common symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury as:

A brief period of unconsciousness

Amnesia for events immediately before and after the injury

Headache

Confusion

Dizziness or loss of balance

Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears or a bad taste in the mouth

Mood changes

Memory or concentration problems

For more severe cases of TBI, the symptoms are also more severe, including:

Persistent headache

Repeated vomiting or nausea

Convulsions or seizures

Inability to awaken from sleep

Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes

Slurred speech

Weakness or numbness in the extremities

Loss of coordination

Profound confusion

Agitation, combativeness

TBI can be deadly if left untreated, which is why it is always important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after you suffer any sort of blow to the head. Even if you have seen a doctor and they have determined that you do not have TBI, you should be sure to monitor your symptoms as time progresses, since microscopic tears in brain tissue can often develop into more severe conditions, and can often be missed in an initial examination.

Also, make sure that you are also conscious of the health of your friends and family members, since many people are too embarassed to seek medical treatment for a head injury after they've already been examined once. TBI is a serious condition, and no one should let shame or a lack of information stand in the way of their health.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Cooper

Cancer Misdiagnosis and Its Consequences

John Cooper — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:04:00 GMT

According to American Cancer Society, 565,000 people in the U.S. died of cancer in the year 2008 alone. It is estimated that anywhere from 8% to 12 % of these cancer cases were initially misdiagnosed. A cancer misdiagnosis can greatly affect the lives of the patient as well as that of the family. It causes emotional and mental suffering, asi well as the fact that it creates a significant financial strain on all involved. In some instances, the misdiagnosis may have debilitating consequences as result from potentially unnecessary chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Death or the loss of a substantial chance of survival is another common harm from delayed cancer care.

Every patient has the right to seek a physician’s second opinion. During your examination, never be afraid to ask questions concerning the laboratory and medical procedures. However, once confirmed it is imperative to start treatment immediately.

Cancer misdiagnosis may include:

Improper identification of a tumor as non-cancerous;
Improper labeling or handling of a biopsy specimen;
Failure to routinely check at risk patients;
Failure to review the medical history of the patient's family when considering symptoms and making a diagnosis;
Improper grading of cancer in terms of severity; and
Failure to refer a patient to a specialist.

Regardless, always feel free to seek a 2^nd opinion prior to any treatment of cancer. Obviously, this should be done quickly as time is of the essence. If this protocol has been followed you have probably minimized the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. However, if after reading this article you feel there may be a chance that you have been misdiagnosed, you should seek knowledgeable legal counsel to determine your rights.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Cooper

Latent Hazards of Asbestos Exposure

Randy Appleton — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:48:00 GMT

Mesothelioma is a common health hazard caused by asbestos poisoning while working in industries that manufacture products made from this deadly material. Symptoms of asbestos poisoning may not show up immediately due to the long period of reaction latency which can cause symptoms not to show up for 10-40 years after initial exposure to asbestos.

If you feel you have been exposed to asbestos in any way, then it’s crucial to get tested. There are common illnesses that show as symptoms related to asbestos poisoning. In the event that your medical tests are positive for asbestos, then you may find yourself diagnosed with mesothelioma, pleural plaque, or asbestosis.

Asbestos poisoning may show gradual effects to the body but it can lead to serious illnesses which can put financial strain on you and your family. Employers have legal obligations to support your medical expenses, but if they do then they would have to confirm that your asbestos poisoning had been acquired from the work place. In many cases, this would imply guilt on their part and that is the last thing they would want to do as to avoid a costly lawsuit.

If you think that you exhibit symptoms of asbestos poisoning and that it was acquired from the line of work directly or indirectly, you need to have a competent personal injury lawyer who will help you receive the right compensation that you deserve. Don’t dilly-dally around and consult with your lawyer right away before it’s too late. Of course, never sign any documents presented to you by your employer until you meet withy your own attorney for their advice in regards to your asbestos exposure.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Randy Appleton