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About Strokes, And How We Can Help
Have you or someone you know suffered from a stroke? Have the after effects of a stroke left you unable to work or complete daily tasks? There’s a lot of fact and fiction around what strokes are, and how they could have been prevented in cases like yours. We walk you through the nature of strokes, what they are, and how we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Let’s dive into our comprehensive overview.
What is a Stroke?
Let’s begin by defining what a stroke is, exactly. In its broadest sense, a stroke occurs in the brain when blood flow is cut from a certain area. The results can range from mild pains and aches to more debilitating consequences such as paralysis and loss of speech. It’s extremely vital that if someone is suffering from a stroke, they should seek medical attention right away. Even mild strokes can have fatal consequences. The good news is that most strokes are preventable.
Know the Risks
So what are the risk factors that are associated with strokes? Well, some of it is hereditary. You’re more prone to having a stroke if other members of your family have a similar medical history of being stroke-prone. Certain environmental and health factors to watch out for include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
- Diabetes
Strokes by the Numbers
You’re more likely to have a stroke when you’re older, but around 30% of those who suffer from strokes are under 65. Minorities in America are nearly twice as likely to have a stroke, and death by stroke is more common in the southeastern parts of the United States.
Moreover, did you know that someone has a stroke in the US every forty seconds, and every four minutes someone dies from a stroke? Additionally, up to 80% of all strokes are completely preventable, given effective and immediate medical treatment. Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the US; more than 60% of stroke survivors are left with some type of resultant disability. In fact, strokes are the leading cause of adult disability in the US. Half of all patients who have suffered from strokes aged 65 and older have reduced mobility. Three in four strokes occur in people who have never had an episode before.
Are There Different Kinds?
Nearly 90% of strokes fall under the first category, ischemic strokes. This occurs when blood flow is blocked through the artery, often by blood clots. The second, hemorrhagic strokes, happen less often but are much more fatal. They occur when an artery leaks or ruptures in the brain, and are usually caused by things like aneurysms and high blood pressure. TIAs, or transient ischemic attacks, are a third type of stroke; although they only last as long as five minutes and are often referred to as mini-strokes, TIAs are still serious and require medical attention.
What are the Effects of Strokes?
Where strokes occur in the brain is the biggest influence on how someone is affected. Some common occurrences are:
- Weakness
- Partial or total paralysis of one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking
- Fatigue
- Cognitive and behavioral changes
Less likely effects are:
- Inability to read facial expressions and tones of voice
- Depression and apathy
- Difficulty speaking
Many conditions also include some sort of cognitive damage as well, as strokes occur in the brain.
Will My Symptoms Improve?
Many patients who suffer strokes see gradual improvement over many years worth of time. It’s worth noting, however, that some damage is either irreversible and permanent, or may never fully heal altogether.
These injuries and recovery in general fully depend on: the extent of the initial stroke (including treatment sought), and efforts of rehabilitation after an episode. The first few months after are important for a fuller recovery, followed by a slower, more gradual healing process.
How are Strokes Misdiagnosed?
Because of the precarious nature of strokes, successful intervention requires immediate medical attention. Even mere minutes can be the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, stroke symptoms mimic a myriad of other minor problems. Aches and pains, dizziness, fatigue, and pins and needles sensations are just a few things that make diagnosing strokes difficult before they happen. It’s why strokes are often misdiagnosed and under-diagnosed. This is especially true for female patients. A lot of things can contribute to a misdiagnosis, including:
- Failure to conduct a thorough physical or medical history check
- Failure to diagnose strokes properly and efficiently
- Failure to order proper scans to check for clots and blockages
Sadly this always comes back on the survivor of a stroke. Delaying treatment blocks serious progress from happening in the aftermath of strokes.
When do You Know You Have a Case?
So you must be thinking, how can I get justice for what happened to me? If your stroke was misdiagnosed, or treatment was delayed, we can help you on your path to the justice you rightfully deserve. There are quite a few questions we can help find the answers to.
The biggest question is whether or not the stroke was diagnosed correctly. Other questions to look out for include:
- Did the hospital take correct measures to ensure the least amount of harm?
- Was medication administered correctly?
- Were the medical history and exams conducted thoroughly?
Do any of these questions set off alarms? If you aren’t sure, there’s action you can take immediately to see what our expert legal team can do to help you. Some victims of stroke and healthcare negligence have received monetary compensation. But it may seem daunting if you don’t know where to start.
Who Can You Trust with Your Case?
Navigating the world of medical law can be tricky; that’s why you need to go to the experts for help. Weltchek, Mallahan, & Weltchek is one of the top medical malpractice firms in the nation, and we didn’t earn that title overnight. If you’re considering a consultation and want to put your life back into your hands after a serious stroke, call us. You won’t be disappointed.
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