Thousands of people were given spinal injections of potentially contaminated steroid medication made by New England Compounding Center (NECC). The NECC medication, 3 lots of methylprednisolone acetate, has been linked to an outbreak of fungal meningitis. Attorney Fred Pritzker is representing over 40 people harmed in this outbreak. You can contact Fred for a free consultation here. Fred is seeking compensation for patients who had an injection of NECC medication and have been diagnosed with meningitis or suspect thet have meningitis.
Below is information from the CDC regarding getting a meningitis diagnosis after an injection of NECC medication, primarily methylprednisolone acetate that may be contaminated with fungus (Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium, Exserohilum rostratum).
For patients who received epidural injection with medication from the lots listed above and have any symptoms of meningitis or basilar stroke, a diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) should be performed, if not contraindicated. Because presenting symptoms of some patients with meningitis have been mild and not classic for meningitis (e.g., new or worsening headache without fever or neck stiffness), physicians should have a low threshold for LP.
When a diagnostic lumbar puncture [spinal tap] is performed, it should be done through a site other than the site used for epidural injection when possible.
Symptoms of fungal meningitis and basilar stroke include the following:
- New or worsening headache
- Fever
- Sensitivity to light
- Stiff neck
- New weakness or numbness in any part of your body
- Slurred speech
- Increased pain, redness or swelling at your injection site
