Antibiotics are frequently used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. There are a number of different kinds of antibiotics, and they are used to treat specific kinds of bacteria. Although all medications have risks, most antibiotics are relatively safe.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics are a potent class of antibiotics, and include such drugs as tobramycin, neomycin, vancomycin and gentamicin. All aminoglycosides are toxic to the sensory cells of the ear. Gentamicin is a vestibulotoxin, because it can damage the eighth cranial nerve. This results in the patient experiencing loss of balance and vertigo.
Because of the high risks associated with gentamicin, it should only be selected as a last resort. When a doctor prescribes gentamicin, he or she should closely monitor the levels of the drug, as well as the patient's kidney function.
Unfortunately, many doctors prescribe gentamicin without carefully considering what is best for the patient. Additionally, they fail to order periodic testing of serum gentamicin levels and basic renal function tests.
This can be catastrophic for patients, who are suddenly forced into a world of perpetual dizziness and imbalance. They can no longer operate vehicles, go out on boats, be in crowds, swim, or carry on many of the daily activities we take for granted. In some cases, patients suffer deafness and severe kidney damage as well.
There is a group called "Wobblers Anonymous" that offers support for those that have been injured by negligent gentamicin prescriptions. The group offers encouragement and advice for people learning to adapt to these difficult new conditions.
Often, treatment requires regular visits with specialists and physical therapists that help injured patients to compensate. But these therapies can be expensive, and it isn't the patient's fault that the doctor was negligent in prescribing gentamicin therapy. If you or someone you know has been injured by gentamicin poisoning, there is help. The Utah medical malpractice attorneys at G. Eric Nielson & Associates are experienced gentamicin lawyers, and have recovered millions of dollars for patients to help them pay for treatment, and to compensate them for the loss of quality of their lives. If you have questions, you can contact us for a free, no obligation consultation today.
801-424-9088
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