With A Stroke, Delayed Diagnosis Can Mean Devastating Consequences

When someone exhibits the signs and symptoms of a stroke, every second matters. Prompt treatment, to avoid a delayed diagnosis, is critical in preserving the best potential outcome when faced with this medical emergency. 

Shockingly, approximately every forty seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Furthermore, nearly every four minutes, someone dies of a stroke.

What Is A Stroke?

A stroke can be a rapidly occurring, and potentially disastrous, medical event. There are two types of stroke, ischemic and hemorrhagic, with the most common being ischemic. An ischemic stroke results, most often, from the blockage of an artery.  When the brain’s blood supply is interrupted, it prevents brain tissue from receiving oxygen and nutrients. As a result, brain cells can begin to die in minutes.

A stroke can cause a range of consequences, from physical and mental impairments requiring a significant level of ongoing care, to a potentially fatal outcome. In fact, stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability and the leading cause of death in Americans. 

A stroke can occur at any age, but the risk does increase with age. In addition, studies have shown that having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for non-hispanic Black adults, as it is for whites. Further, non-hispanic Black adults and Pacific Islander adults have the highest rates of death from stroke.

Symptoms of A Stroke

The symptoms of a stroke can vary in severity from subtle to catastrophic. Symptoms of a stroke can include:

• Trouble speaking and understanding what people are saying; 
• Numbness, or paralysis, in the face, arm or leg; 
• Problems seeing in one or both eyes; 
• A sudden, severe headache; and 
• Trouble walking. 

The acronym used by the National Stroke Association is F.A.S.T.

• Facial Drooping
• Arm Weakness
• Speech Difficulties
• Time

These symptoms may even come and go. Quick observation and action are critical in the ultimate treatment of a stroke and avoiding delayed diagnosis.

Care, Treatment and Delayed Diagnosis

According to the CDC, patients who arrive in the emergency room within 3 hours of their first symptoms, often have less disability 3 months after stroke than those who received delayed diagnosis and care. Thus, a vital key in any patient suffering from a stroke is prompt medical attention, diagnosis and treatment by medical professionals.

The initial medical treatment that one should expect when showing signs or symptoms of a stroke include:

• Physical and neurologic exams;
• Blood tests;
• Radiological imaging, which may include a CAT scan or MRI, ultrasound or angiogram; and
• Administration of agents that may potentially reverse the cause of the stroke.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of a stroke can be missed or erroneously attributed to other conditions including, migraines, vertigo or inner ear issues, anxiety or panic attacks, or drug and alcohol use. A delayed or missed diagnosis of stroke can lead to permanent disability or death.

Navigating Your Medical Negligence Case

If you believe you were injured due to medical negligence or a delayed diagnosis, the best first step you can take is to talk to a medical malpractice attorney. Our team will help you navigate your best legal options moving forward.

With decades of experience in medical malpractice, the attorneys at Zevan Murphy are ready to help you find justice. For more information, contact our attorneys for a free consultation today.