Failure to Diagnose a Stroke: When Medical Negligence Leads to Tragic Consequences
A stroke is a medical emergency that demands immediate attention. The acronym BEFAST (Balance Issues, Eyesight Changes, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time) helps identify warning signs, but what happens when healthcare providers fail to act swiftly? Delayed diagnosis or improper treatment can result in severe disability or even death. When these failures occur, they may constitute medical malpractice.
Understanding Strokes and Their Impact
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and causing damage. There are three primary types:
- Hemorrhagic Stroke – Caused by a ruptured artery, leading to bleeding and pressure on the brain.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – A temporary blockage, often a warning sign of a future major stroke.
- Ischemic Stroke – The most common type, caused by a blood clot blocking an artery.
Diagnosing a Stroke
Prompt diagnosis is critical. Physicians use several methods, including:
- Physical Exams – Assessing symptoms such as numbness, confusion, or difficulty speaking.
- Imaging Tests – MRI, CT scans, CT angiograms, and MR angiography help detect strokes and assess damage.
- CT Perfusion Studies – A CT perfusion study, or CT perfusion imaging, is a non-invasive X-ray scan that measures blood flow and blood volume in the brain.
Stroke Treatment
Timely intervention can prevent lasting harm. Common treatments include:
- tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator) – A clot-dissolving drug.
- Surgical Procedures – Stopping bleeding in hemorrhagic strokes.
- Endovascular Treatments – Using catheters to repair weak blood vessels.
- Thrombectomy – A thrombectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a blood clot from a blood vessel.
Medical Malpractice in Stroke Cases
When a patient seeks medical attention but suffers harm due to a delay in diagnosis or treatment, it may be malpractice. Common failures include:
- Misdiagnosis or failure to recognize stroke symptoms.
- Delayed imaging or improper testing.
- Failure to triage the patient appropriately.
- Unsafe staffing levels or lack of experienced personnel.
- Delayed initiation of treatment after diagnosis.
Seeking Compensation for Medical Negligence
Stroke victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and long-term care.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional.
- Loss of a normal life.
- Funeral and burial costs (if applicable).
Contact The Law Office of Jeffrey Friedman, P.C.
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a misdiagnosed or untreated stroke, we can help. Our firm is dedicated to holding negligent medical providers accountable. Call us today for a free consultation—no fees unless we win.
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