A missed case of transverse myelitis lands $1.8 million. “Allen’s case against Gamache, a family practitioner, and her Lee’s Hill Medical Associates began when he visited her in June 2000. Court records indicate that Allen told her that he was taking the drug Ativan for mild anxiety. She prescribed a different anti-anxiety medicine, BuSpar.

One month later, Allen called Gamache’s office to complain of muscle aches, numbness and a “pins-and-needles” sensation in his arms and legs. A receptionist advised him to reduce the dosage of BuSpar.

The symptoms persisted, and Allen again called Gamache’s office. Again, a receptionist told him that he was probably experiencing side effects from the drug.

Allen met with Gamache in September 2000. She did not examine him and assured him that his symptoms were probably due to the drug.

When Allen’s symptoms became worse, his wife took him to the emergency room at Mary Washington Hospital. A neurologist did a physical exam at the hospital and found an abnormality below the neck. An MRI revealed the spinal cord inflammation.”