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Acting to stop harm: the FCA and Appointed Representatives
James Alleyne
This little known but not so rare condition can have a devastating impact on patient’s lives if warning signs are missed. Undiagnosed or untreated, Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) can cause serious problems including permanent vision loss.
Client Story
I represented Mrs F, an 89 year old lady, in a clinical negligence claim regarding the failure to diagnose GCA. Mrs F had symptoms of GCA including headaches, nausea, fatigue and visual disturbances. She attended her GP on a number of occasions and was referred to hospital twice for investigation over a six week period. The condition was not diagnosed and Mrs F suffered total loss of vision. Although she was prescribed a course of steroids, the damage was irreversible and her sight could not be saved. Mrs F, who was previously an independent 89 year old, now needs 24-hour care and support.
The hospital admitted liability and sent a letter of apology to Mrs F. A six-figure settlement was reached.
What is Giant Cell/Temporal Arteritis?
GCA is a condition which causes inflammation on the inside of some blood vessels (arteries). This inflammation causes the arteries to narrow, impeding adequate blood flow. One of the areas that is affected is the temporal artery, on the side of the head, leading to the eye (specifically known as temporal arteritis).
What are the signs of GCA?
Those affected by GCA are almost exclusively over 50 years old and are often women. National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance states that symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
If a patient has the above symptoms, they should be treated as a medical emergency. Patients should be started on steroids to reduce inflammation and prevent blood supply to the arteries from becoming blocked whilst further tests are undertaken to confirm the diagnosis.
If you have suffered from GCA, and you have concerns about any aspect of your treatment, and you would like some advice about whether you have a claim, please contact the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury team on 020 7814 1200 or by email at clinnegenquiries@kingsleynapley.co.uk
We welcome views and opinions about the issues raised in this blog. Should you require specific advice in relation to personal circumstances, please use the form on the contact page.
James Alleyne
Lucy Bluck
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