Strokes Are Deadly Enough: They Do Not Need Medical Malpractice To Make It Worse

Medical Malpractice Mistakes

When a person has suffered a stroke it is urgent that a medical professional rapidly diagnose and treat the person.  Failure to institute treatment in a timely manner can result in injuries and consequences that could be prevented.

Warning Signs

There are several warnings signs that may indicate that you or a loved one is having a stroke:

  • Experiencing sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially if it occurs on one side of the body)
  • Confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
  • Trouble seeing with both eyes
  • Difficultly walking, sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
  • Sudden onset of a severe headache with no known cause

Unfortunately, even when patients go to the doctor or emergency room with stroke-like symptoms, they sometimes do not receive proper treatment due to misdiagnosis.  It is vital that stroke diagnosis be accurate and timely so that the patient can receive appropriate and timely treatment.  By doing so, the long term consequences of a stroke can be reduced or eliminated.

Causes of Stroke

A stroke is the result of a blockage of the blood vessels in the brain restricting the flow of blood.  A blood clot can form in any part of the body and break off, then travel through the blood stream to the brain, resulting in the blockage there.  Strokes can also be caused by the initial bleeding of a blood vessel in the brain.

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of a stroke

  • Call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Inform the operator and responders that you may be having a stroke.
  • Check the time so you know when the first symptoms occurred.
  • Take immediate action.  Waiting may reduce the effectiveness of the drugs used to treat strokes.

Unfortunately, the hospital emergency department may not be staffed.  Medical professionals may be rushed, ignore the complaints of patients, do not take a proper history, conduct a thorough physical examination, or make a proper diagnosis.  The symptoms of a stroke such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting do not automatically lead a doctor to diagnose stroke.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the misdiagnosis of a stroke, contact an experienced Kingston, New York medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to evaluate your case.

But what do you think?  I would love to hear from you!  Leave a comment or I also welcome your phone call on my toll-free cell at 1-866-889-6882 or you can drop me an e-mail at jfisher@fishermalpracticelaw.com.  You are always welcome to request my FREE book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, at the home page of my website at www.protectingpatientrights.com.

Reviews