Over the last several months we have discussed at length many of the concerns surrounding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Earlier this month we went over some of the most common questions we field pertaining to SJS, which we hope provided a bit more insight into just how serious this skin condition is. Many people have never heard of SJS, which is just one of the reasons why this disease is so deadly and dangerous to infants, toddlers, adolescents, and adults alike. Because many of the symptoms of SJS are similar to those of other conditions, SJS often goes undiagnosed. When this happens, the condition can worsen and even turn deadly.
For many, being diagnosed with SJS is a confusing and tumultuous time. Not only have they never heard of the disease, but now they must find a way to fight it. In the event your doctor or healthcare practitioner misdiagnosed SJS as something else, or brushed your symptoms off altogether, you may be able to take legal action. Across the country we are seeing more and more SJS lawsuits being filed against doctors and hospitals. This is because the symptoms of SJS are so often overlooked, allowing the disease to worsen and, in some cases, even turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS). With this in mind, it is important to understand what is involved in a SJS lawsuit and what steps should be taken in order to seek compensation for losses and damages. With this, it is also imperative that you understand what your treatment options are, should you be diagnosed with SJS.
Today we are going to look at what some of the top treatment options are for SJS. Due to the type of symptoms associated with SJS, most patients are treated in intensive care units or burn centers. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for SJS, which means that patients are treated symptomatically. In many cases, SJS treatment is no different than the treatment of individuals suffering from burns. Let’s now go over some information on how SJS is treated:
- Once a patient has been diagnosed with SJS, the first step will be to determine the underlying cause of the disease
- This could be a drug reaction or infection
- Once the cause has been determined, the medical team will come up with an appropriate treatment plan
- Common treatments include oral and topical corticosteroids
- This will work to reduce the rash and swelling symptoms in less severe cases
- In severe cases of SJS involving the eyes and eyelids, the patient will need to be examined by an ophthalmologist in order to prevent permanent eye damage
- For patients experiencing severe burn-like symptoms, they may be referred to a burn treatment center where the care they will receive will be similar to burn victims
- In severe cases, the patient may need a fluid replacement, sterile environment to prevent infection, and skin graft consultation
In order to ensure those diagnosed with SJS have a fair shot of recovery, it is imperative they seek medical treatment right away. In the event you or a loved one has been misdiagnosed with a different condition and it was later determined you had SJS, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice. To learn more about SJS lawsuits in Texas, please contact a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney today. Our knowledgeable SJS attorneys are prepared to sit down and go over your case with you today, ensuring justice is served and you receive compensation for your losses.