Medical Malpractice and Strokes: Common Mistakes, Mistreatments and Misdiagnoses

Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the United States. A stroke may be the result of reduced oxygen to the brain, an obstruction like a blood clot or blood leaking into the brain. A delay in the diagnosis of a stroke or mistreatment can cause serious permanent injuries or even death.

Diagnosing a Stroke

Physicians must accurately diagnose the symptoms of a stroke. These symptoms include trouble speaking, inability to understand words, mental confusion, loss of strength, vision problems and dizziness. Whether it’s a doctor’s visit or an emergency room visit, it’s the responsibility of the physician to run the appropriate tests to diagnose a stroke in patients. These tests include arteriography imaging test, MRI, blood tests, CT scan and physical exam. These tests should be ordered in a time sensitive manner. In many stroke cases, doctors are negligent in correctly diagnosing a stroke and providing prompt treatment. Common examples of stroke misdiagnosis cases include a failure to order proper diagnostic tests, failure to administer an IV, surgical errors or mistreatment that causes hypotension, which leads to a stroke and failure to administer an anti-coagulant to prevent a stroke.

Radiology error can also result in the delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of a stroke. This error can create the negligent healthcare of another medical professional, such as a surgeon. It’s essential that radiologists are properly trained and stay abreast of the new developments in diagnostic technology. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a radiology error involving misinterpretation or misreading or X-rays, CT scans or MRIs, it’s likely that you have a medical malpractice claim with merit.

Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Generally, a medical malpractice lawsuit must be filed within two years of the occurrence. It is also required that a medical affidavit from a medical professional substantiating your claim be on record. Medical malpractice cases involving the misdiagnosis and mistreatment of a stroke are challenging. It often comes down to a to a battle between medical experts. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can assist you in attaining all the proper medical records and securing a medical expert to testify on your behalf in court