When Lesley* was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, her family supported her in attending a support group but they soon noticed that Lesley was deteriorating much quicker than others at the group. She did not appear to have the classic symptoms that the others had. Lesley was unable to walk very far and within a year of her diagnosis, Lesley had to use a wheelchair. However, her arms were working fine but her husband had become her full time carer to help her get in and out of bed, go to the toilet and move around the house.
Lesley and her family attended a number of appointments with the neurologist who had diagnosed her and asked why things were getting worse so quickly. They were told that it was all normal and her medication was increased.
About 18 months later, Lesley collapsed at a café and was taken to the hospital by ambulance where a scan showed she had a brain tumour. The brain tumour had caused a blockage in the ventricles in her brain causing hydrocephalus which explained her symptoms and why her lower limb function had deteriorated so quickly. Lesley had an endoscopic third ventriculostomy to relieve the raised pressure in her brain and the tumour was removed.
We investigated a claim for the family and our experts supported the fact that her symptoms were not consistent with Parkinson's Disease. They considered that the neurologist should have referred her for a brain scan much earlier. We settled Lesley's claim for a significant sum so she could make adaptations to their home, including a downstairs bedroom and wet room, and widen all the doors so Lesley could access all areas of the house in her wheelchair. Controls were put in place so Lesley could use an iPad to open and shut curtains and see who is at the door. This provides Lesley with independence in her home. The settlement also meant that Lesley can have regular physiotherapy and have a carer regime, meaning her husband could be a husband rather than her carer.
*Name and images have been changed on the request of the individuals.