When a medical professional fails to properly diagnose a stroke in a patient, the consequences can be devastating. If a stroke is diagnosed in a timely manner, it may be treated to prevent damage to the brain or even death. Medical professionals must look for the symptoms of a stroke and pay attention to the concerns of their patients. A misdiagnosed stroke may constitute medical malpractice.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when there is disrupted blood flow to the brain. A stroke can range from minor to catastrophic, depending on the situation. Common symptoms of a stroke include:
- Severe headache
- Vision loss
- Paralysis
- Muscle weakness
- Slurred speech
- Lack of voluntary coordination of the muscles
- Altered consciousness
- Inability to speak or understand language
A doctor treating a patient with a stroke will typically order an MRI or a CT scan to deduce whether there is a stroke and what type it is. When a doctor misdiagnoses a stroke, they may believe that the patient is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. They may also think the patient is suffering from a migraine headache.
There are two types of strokes: hemorrhagic and ischemic. A hemorrhagic stroke is the less common type and occurs when a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the brain. Most strokes are ischemic strokes that occur when there is a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain. It prevents blood from flowing in the brain.
Strokes Require Prompt Treatment
If a stroke is properly diagnosed, then a patient may receive medication that can break down a clot in the brain. This medication must be administered as soon as possible in order to be effective. As a result of this short window of time, every action by a medical professional matters and there is very little room for error. If a patient presents with the symptoms of a stroke and the doctor fails to implement the correct stroke protocol, it can result in serious injury or death.
Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or someone you love has been the victim of medical negligence, you should have an experienced attorney evaluate your case. For over 50 years Bonina & Bonina, P.C., has been helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.