Atlanta Brain Herniation and Hydrocephalus Attorneys

Handling Complex Brain-Related Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Hydrocephalus literally translates to "water on the brain." It is really an accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain that can result in serious medical complications, including brain herniation: when a part of the brain is squeezed out of place by pressure.

If you have a loved one who’s been injured by a hydrocephalus shunt meant to treat the condition, you may have grounds of for a medical malpractice or defective device lawsuit. To find out more, contact the experienced Atlanta medical malpractice attorneys at Grant Law Office. Call (404) 995-3955 to find out more about your legal rights and options.

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How Hydrocephalus Forms

Cerebrospinal fluid performs several important functions in the brain: keeping the brain tissue buoyant and acting as a shock absorber; delivering nutrients to and from the brain and removing waste; and flowing between the cranium and the spine, compensating for changes in the amount of blood within the brain. Since CSF is produced continuously, any injury or medical condition that blocks the normal production and absorption of the fluid will result in a buildup that puts pressure on the brain tissue, creating hydrocephalus and brain herniation if a portion of the brain is forced out of place.

The causes of hydrocephalus include genetic abnormalities, birth injury, head trauma, stroke, and infection. A person can be stricken with this condition any time during his or her life, and there are few treatments. The main treatment for hydrocephalus is inserting a shunt in the brain, which helps drain CSF.

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What Is a Shunt?

A shunt is a catheter that is inserted into the brain. It is equipped with a one-way valve which allows CSF to drain out of the brain and into another part of the body, such as the abdomen, where it can be absorbed properly.

However, there are many problems with shunts that are defective or improperly cared for by medical staff, including shunt failure, device breakdown, infection, shunt blockage, and drainage issues.

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Shunt Issues

Shunt failure occurs within two years in about half of all shunt patients. Infections are also quite common, as well as shunts becoming clogged with CSF. In some cases, a shunt will break apart and its pieces will migrate into another part of the body.

Shunt complications can cause other problems, such as over-draining and under-draining. Over-draining can result in severe headaches, hemorrhaging, and brain ventricle collapse. Shunts require constant monitoring and often require surgery to repair or replace. Several models of shunts have been recalled in the past due to defective manufacturing.

If a shunt has caused you or a loved one injury, you may be entitled to compensation from your physician or the device’s manufacturer.

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Why You Need an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney

Physicians and medical device manufacturers carry large malpractice insurance policies. Those insurance companies are not interested in giving you fair compensation for your family’s suffering. An experienced medical malpractice attorney will stand up to the insurance companies and demand compensation worthy of your injuries and losses. Call Atlanta’s Grant Law Office for a free case evaluation by calling (404) 995-3955 today.

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Additional Information

• What Is Brain Herniation, and When Is It Medical Malpractice?
• Hydrocephalus Fact Sheet - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• Hydrocephalus - Symptoms and Causes - Mayo Clinic
• Hydrocephalus - Water on the Brain - MedlinePlus