Outcome Dr. Hopkins received a Summons and Complaint. The plaintiff alleged Hopkins improperly diagnosed the patient's condition and failed to refer her to an appropriate medical doctor. Meningitis, an infection or inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord, is regarded as a medical emergency. The prognosis depends more on how soon therapy is instituted after the onset of the disease than any other factor. The distinctive characteristic of meningitis is a severe headache with a stiff and painful neck.
Vomiting is common.
Further, the insured's advice to the patient that her medication had caused a secondary infection could be considered false and misleading, especially since the drugs in question were pain killers, not antibiotics. Prevention Be careful of the advice you give patients about medication prescribed by another doctor. Pay close attention to severe or persistent symptoms that do not respond to chiropractic manipulations. When a patient requires referral, refer immediately. Dr. Hopkins, with his confidence of chiropractic and criticism of the medical establishment, was prevented from thoroughly assessing his patient's condition and referring accordingly.